New investor in Nashville, where should I start?

[Keri Potter]

I'm ready to purchase my first investment and live in Nashville, but not sure how best to start.  I have a pretty good chunk of cash to invest but relatively low monthly income.  Trying to figure out what the best start would be and what would be a good next step after that.  Should I buy a duplex that needs fixing and live in half?  Should I buy a single family with cash that is rental ready further out of town? Should I buy in Chattanooga where I could buy with cash and have higher cash flow?  Should I flip to get more cash to work with? Something else??  Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!