I am trying to avoid STR as would prefer my first rental be a long term rental.  

If you prefer a private space, you might also look for renting a meeting room at a hotel.

@David Pittman- contact some local lenders and forge a realtionship with them as  preferred lenders ..this would allow you some  controal and  have some decent options for your buyers 

I’m hoping there’s something more efficient than me emailing applicants pdf application and then they Venmo me or something, I’d prefer better automation.

Many investors prefer C neighborhoods for the best cash flow.

I am not sure how much houses run around here right now in the current market I have been looking on realtor 200k-400k, I am looking for basically a cabin preferably a short distance from pigeon forge and gatlinburg.  

Usually mortgage investors do not prefer first time investors looking to acquire multiple units, but there are exceptions.

Preferred equity, though also exposed, offers less upside compared to common equity.Sadly, even if we were in different market times (not down 30% off the highs of 2021) and your particular project was doing well.

I much prefer the open floor plan, where I can have a conversation with my wife and still be sitting on the couch while she's cooking, or I can turn my head and see who's at the front door without having to get up and change rooms. 

We’d prefer to not deed their interests to 2 separate SMLLCs as this creates complexities with having to maintain multiple bank accounts, etc.