The rental season isn't exaclty "boomin" in Nags Head during the winter season, therefore you can wait till just a couple days before to book a room.
This Comfort Inn is only about 5 miles or less from the boat ramp:
http://www.outer-banks.com/comfortinnsouth/
Its where my wife and I stayed once last year. Normally when I go, I'll probably have like 8 - 10 other guys with me and we'll have 3 or 4 boats between us so we rent a house.
Right now we're thinkin about trying to squeeze in a trip before the holidays - say around mid December. Then after new years around 1st or 2nd week of January....then again about a month later in February. We normally like to take off work on Thursday and Friday so we'll leave on Wed. evening and be able to fish Thurs. Friday and Sat. weather permitting.
Yes the inlet can be rough, but I've never been on a trip where I couldn't at least get out there1 or 2 outta 3 days. A V20 will eat up those puny lil 5 or 6 footers ;D