Would real estate prices in certain regions rise rapidly due to demand from both local and international buyers? 

@Jason Mergl Talk to Stephen McCormick at Empire Real Estate.

Derrick:I 100% know what I'm talking about. 

If you’re talking C properties probably cash flow.

Waynesville, a great neighboring town just outside Buncombe that's been pretty great for STR, is starting to talk of a similar ban.

Talk to a CPA to see how it fits your plan. 

Talk to house hackers because that would be a great way to start, but you are also advanced with money so you may find smarter options that act more like index funds (syndications).Yes I was actually looking at syndications that was going to be my next research topic that seems extremely interesting and powerful syndication seems like an awesome way to diversify without getting my hands dirty necessarily.

I still need to link up with a contractor and talk this out, but I'm wondering if anyone had examples where they put around $50k into a home and what the results were. 

The purchase to cash flow ratio is much higher than majority of the states in the US but again not the only states.If you need any help or want to talk more REI feel free to reach out I have done a ton of business in both states and can walk you through pretty much anything.

Regardless if you invest in state or out of state find yourself a solid agent who knows what they are talking about.