It's a beautiful artsy town full of small cafes and shops that's increasingly popular with tourists (I saw a mix of Americans, Mexicans, and Italians).

I know it’s a huge state but I would like get a good sense in different regions, big cities and tourist destinations.

The City actually purchased the property and is demolishing it to provide more beach access for locals and for tourists who visit the area. 

If the property is in/or near a tourist area, the potential for a rental could be great.

There are more restrictions towards tourist rentals.Curious to hear your strategy.

My long term goals are to have some properties here in Murfreesboro and use the equity and extra cash flow to buy some STRs around Nashville and other tourists areas around TN.

Tourist taxes are paid to Monroe county and to FL. 

On the other hand, if you're appealing to the average Gatlinburg tourist, then you probably want to keep it as the average American still has cable and probably will take it for granted that the place they're renting has it as well. 

But the SBA is slow (4-5 months) - we are supposed to close March 30th but ideally we'd at least close by May 1 so I could be ready for the summer tourists on Memorial Day weekend.  

I suggest you look for the nicest single family you can find in Bricktown or somewhere that tourists go like on the river.