@Johnathon Thompson you need to build a trustworthy local team, which is NOT as easy you everyone thinks.As soon as many PMC's, agents, contractors, etc. hear an owner is OOS, they take the path of least resistance (at best) or look to scam the owner.So, an owner must ask a LOT of questions and do their due diligence and even if they find someone, apply "trust, but verify":)

DSCR is your best bet.

I think it’s a long road.I’d just be willing to bet handsomely that occupancy is a huge challenge, revPAR suffers, and asset values fall in many STR markets over the next few years, and fear that the Smokies may have among the highest risk.

If you want 10% returns you might have to look in another market, but if you want to park some money in a solid property, as long as it generates enough to break even after all expenses, taxes, etc. to allow you to hold on to it for 5-10 years I'd bet it will do better in the long run than a 10% cash flow property in a lower end market. 

Most homes for sale on the MLS are not looking to go with seller financing, in my experience usually you get those types of offers from the seller looking for buyers that want seller financing which is few and far between.I think your best bet here could be to offer sub2 but even that is a far stretch.

Even up 1464 or Hwy 6 - it's cheap, but I wouldn't make a bet on those areas and school districts.

Mind you, there are signs but you can bet people in the know aren't going to share it and create a competition for themselves so you'll generally be on your own on this one.9.

As someone else mentioned I think that Househacking a multi family is your best bet and the recommendation I give to everyone looking to get started or even someone looking to buy their first home.House hack is the easiest barrier to entry becasue your cost for downpayment can be as little as 3.5% FHA or 5% conventional, and you usually get the best rates as a primary residence borrower. 

They are not trustworthy and do not care about consequences.

Your best bet is to talk with the zoning department and let them know the situation.