What are some of the good value good trading properties?

I'm looking to purchase TS that I can trade into Westin Ka'anapali, Marriott Maui Ocean Club, and the likes. Those properties are relatively expensive with high MF. I understand the TS exchange companies will usually match properties with similar trading power. Does it mean that in order to trade into above mentioned properties, do I also need to own one with similarly high cost and MF? I understand there are some things the owners can do to increase trading power. But at the same time common sense tells me that there is no free lunch. I'll be primarily vacationing in the summer season, and I would like to visit Hawaii and Caribbean islands. Is there any hidden gem that has low MF but has high trading power that can be *consistently* exchanged into properties with higher MF?

Is there any hidden gem that has low MF but has high trading power that can be *consistently* exchanged into properties with higher MF?

Click to expand...

In a word - no!

However, both Starwood and Marriott owners have priority for deposits from their respective systems that are deposited with II, so you might want to consider an entry level resale in one of those systems. But - summer is high season and you won't see as many deposits in II for the summer, and Starwood has no resorts in the Caribbean. Starwood is making some big changes right now, which are not positive for owners. You could probably get into Starwood for less money, but Marriott may be the better product.

You can purchase platinum Marriotts (ski weeks in Park City, summer weeks at Hilton Head) that will have great trading power and lower MF than the Hawaii Marriotts. However, I don't consider any of the Marriotts to have a low MF. Most Marriott 2 bedrooms are over $1,000 now, but many are still less than Hawaii.