Hopefully, this is a useful example of what’s achievable with out-of-state investing, even with no local connections. 

well if I ever make it to the Smokies to see what the draw is  I will rent a condo then :)  I am just guess but I suspect folks that go there want to be in the woods and hear the birds and maybe some local mtn views etc.. or some sort of privacy they never get at home out east were there is not very much public lands close to where they live in the big city. ????

It would be best to befriend a local contractor or even help one out on a job to see any differences from your past eight years doing it in another country.

My only recommendation is you go with someone local to where you are.

Call every local investor agenda (look at the agents that have investment property listings and call them) and call every local landlord that owns multiple properties (you can get lists off of Deal Machine).

Howdy,I haven't decided if we are gonna manage the property or hire a local area property manager yet.

Right now there's huge concentration, but as this continues to build out and we see north of the high 30s GW by 10 years from now it'll be almost a requirement to keep some type of locality based risk assessment and to diversify. 

You could find your local wholesaler ( basically what a land flipper is) and ask about what CRMs they are using and also talk CPAs.  

I’ve built strong relationships with local agents and other investors in the Hamptons, which helped me discover this off-market property.

David you mentioned the use of 1031 exchanges recently in the local market.