They’ll advise you on what moves you should make so you can make the best possible decisions throughout the buying process.Bottom LineThe key to a successful homebuying savings strategy?

For BRRRR investors: Are you rethinking cash-out refi strategies or exploring alternative rent models to make deals work?

I also notice that @Gregory Schwartz mentioned Huntsville in particular—I definitely think that it’s a strong market for long-term appreciation.As for your concerns about investing out of state, I think an investment strategy that is as close to passive as possible would be best.A do-it-yourself approach—where you acquire a property, place a tenant, interview a bunch of property managers, and handle maintenance yourself—is going to be pretty tough to do remotely.

But since you will be able to finance with LTVs, potentially higher leverage may be used and can scale the portfolio faster with the right strategy. 

Strategies that use hope, is how people get burned, bad. 

Legitimate, in this case, means that the entity is part of an overall business investment strategy whereby you have a business plan, tax returns, and the funds you seek are for further business expansion.If, however, the LLC is a stand alone entity, is not profitable, or is not legitimate, then your probably better off putting into your personal name and securing funding that way, or still talking to local or regional banks to see if they have any loan programs available where you might be able to secure financing.

These are all lower $ properties and not the strategy you use.

Your primary strategy should be to have the Contractor and all Subcontractors add you to their insurance policy as Additional Insured. 

I am planning to get into the TN real estate market as my first investment and am looking for some information.In particular: Areas to steer clear of, property management fees, typical cosmetic rehab costs, etc.My strategy is to put large down payments on 2 properties (relative to housing prices) to help pay for my living in NY while still gaining appreciation in a growing real estate market.

Your knowledge in construction, design, and different strategies will be a big help to the community.