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. ????

I just don't like them.

Even if it is for just 2 years.

I was also considering the REI expo in February so maybe I'll see you there.You're a self-proclaimed novice but I think many other members of the community would agree that you're well on your way given your potential cashflowing rental and equity.You seem to have a strong position which would allow you to keep growing your portfolio in the next few years.I'd recommend diversifying your RE portfolio the same way you're diversifying with other investments (REITs, Stocks, bonds etc.).

It is illegal (see below article). 

We bought a camper and we will be on the road because she is a traveling nurse. our next stop will be somewhere in California.

@Kristopher Kyzar thanks for the article!

Go to Etsy and search for "rental property tracker," and you will find hundreds of nice spreadsheets to track 10-20 rentals, usually for under $10.Software has extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button, and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

Sell the properties.You mentioned having difficulty managing the properties as is.

Why move the house . just cut a section off .