Starting Out
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
![](http://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/assets/forums/sponsors/hospitable-deef083b895516ce26951b0ca48cf8f170861d742d4a4cb6cf5d19396b5eaac6.png)
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
![](http://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/assets/forums/sponsors/equity_trust-2bcce80d03411a9e99a3cbcf4201c034562e18a3fc6eecd3fd22ecd5350c3aa5.avif)
![](http://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/assets/forums/sponsors/equity_1031_exchange-96bbcda3f8ad2d724c0ac759709c7e295979badd52e428240d6eaad5c8eff385.avif)
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback
Updated over 2 years ago on . Most recent reply
![James D'Amico's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/1662205/1661181634-avatar-jamesd619.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/crop=1639x1639@0x0/cover=128x128&v=2)
Goodbye CT, Hello Tennessee... Starting out advice
Hello, I've been viewing the forums for a long time now and have come to a point where I can use some sound advice. In a couple months, i'll be leaving my 100k/yr job (restaurant management) in CT and relocating to Tennessee (Eastern - Looking at Dandrige area). I recently sold my home (5 year live-in flip) for a 100k net profit, am single with a dog and really just want to start fresh in an area that I feel i can more closely relate too.
My main question would be, should i look into buying something as an investment property (20-ish percent down) while i still have w2 income up here or would it be more financially responsible to head on down and rent for up to a year while i situate my work/living life, then apply for a owner occupied / FHA loan to save some capital.
I'm not too afraid of finding a job, whether it be with a local contractor, a similar restaurant gig or really anything w2 related, as i have a solid work ethic and am not picky. Ideally i would be looking for a small multi family (2-4 unit) or a SFH that i can put some sweat equity into and hold for the long term.
I will be heading down September 5th-9th to take a small tour of the areas that I believe I'm interested in. I would love to connect with some people (investor friendly realtors/brokers) on the ground that have a good idea of the eastern areas.
I realize what I'm doing probably isn't the most popular path, but it's come at a time in life where its sink or swim and I absolutely love swimming.
Thank you in advance,
James D'Amico
Most Popular Reply
![Mack Lengel's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/2332044/1664202699-avatar-macklengel.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/crop=1200x1200@742x273/cover=128x128&v=2)
Hey James! Sounds like a very exciting future coming up. I am an inventor/Realtor in Sevierville, TN. I would love to help be your boots on the ground and get you connected with who you need to know!