It's pretty much spot on.

I have properties all around popular spots, including smoky mountain.

two things I have learned.  1,200 is a sweet spot for demand, and if you do have a large unit of 2,500 get a couple of them zoned for auto. 

Let me dive into a few things that might help.On Meeting Active StatusYou’re spot on about the 500-hour rule or the 100-hour rule with material participation.

From my understanding, you’re spot on that the VA only requires intent to occupy the property within 60 days—there’s no hard-and-fast rule about staying for a year.

Build a solid foundation before taking a step up - each and every step of the way.There’s a way to scale recklessly and there is a way to scale safely.When OPM is involved safe is way better than reckless.Despite a life long career in RE, I scaled as followsBought a few duplexes for my own accountBought a fourplex for my own accountBought 12 units as a JV with some friendsSyndicated 43 unitsSyndicated 30 unitsBought another 12 units as a JVSyndicated 281 unitsThis was over a 3 or 4 year period.and so forth - now I am GP in close to 1000 units with $125M AUM.Even with all that, my sweet spot is 30 to 50 unit properties - they work best for my partners and I and more importantly our investors. 

The plumber and electrician ran the gas pipes and electric for stove to the wrong spot....the electrician followed the plumber as usual  but there was a drawing in the apartment and the plumber had the drawing in his messages.  

It doesn't take long to learn how to spot a good deal.6.

But of course, having an additional spot or two reserved for the ADU would be ideal.

Maximizing "parking" means you have at least 1 parking spot for each bedroom.