Performance in rental management is the key piece of the puzzle.Any other insights on what you've learned managing short term rentals for others in the Smokies?

I am all ears if anyone can lend some suggestions; however, after wasting thousands of dollars on DEV costs, I want to share my journey to help others.

When I got my first phone call from a buyer who seen my ad on Craigslist I couldn’t believe my ears. 

Considering they are brand new, with a finish out well above and beyond the rest of the neighborhood I don't anticipate "nobody else wanting them" Thanks for your sarcasm, though That wasn't a personal accusation but I see people on here all the time that say "I found this piece of crap house in the hood for $10k, I can buy it and rent it to a Section 8 tenant and make a ton of money right?"

I wish you luck in your hunt, and it will surely help to have a reliable local acquaintance act as your eyes and ears on the ground.Feel free to reach out directly if you have any other questions/just want to discuss!

Quote from @Jason Watson: Nonetheless, there is a piece that might be missing from the post.

It all depends on where the new electric panels have to be located , and how the house is wired . it could be a piece of cake , or a nightmare .

It’s not that hard to work a 40 hour week and still do 750 hours in real estate, it’s 2.06 hours a day…7 days a week. that is surely “not impossible”Missing the important piece that @Jason Watson pointed out.

., or try to piece together several free systems.

There are several reasons that someone would liquidate a home quickly, and a targeted marketing campaign like sending out mail pieces could put you in front of those sellers.