For me they've been a great source of ideas, resources, energy, and comradery.

So for now have abandoned the idea.

I don't love the idea of having prepayment fees and a mortgage on my free and clear property but if I do a combination of things I would be able to make an above garage apartment at house 3 for 15k-20k that rents out for $1100-$1300.

I just recently came up with the idea to BRRRR too so I'll see what she says about finding these significantly cheaper properties. 

I haven't identified any specific properties yet, but was hoping to get a PM lined up so that I could bounce ideas before purchasing.

My approach is when there is that much unreliable information, I either call it a day and walk since I have no idea what comes next or I negotiate to a super deal so that whatever I haven't been told can be taken care of.  

Other ideas?

Maybe the VRBO or AirBNB listing so we can get a good idea of what we are talking about.

Look at some of the properties in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area for ideas. 

I was sold on the idea that I could be a "passive" investor.