Also, my personal investing goals & acquisition reflect a long term play and not a short term one.

The amount is negotiable, but if you're the tenant/buyer in the deal your goal is to pay as little as possible. 

I am here seeking professional advice from someone who has walked the walk and can guide me where to go from here.Some of my goals are listed below:My main goal at the moment is to find assistance in forming a financial plan with the help of a mentor.My other goals once I have established a plan:- Short Term: "I will obtain a cash flowing real estate property within the next year.- Long term:  "I will have more than or about 5-10 cashflow producing assets making me 5-10k a month in profit. 

I was looking at a few of the North GA and Western NC mountain towns.I think it will boil down to what are your goals, what kind of property you are able to purchase, and how you manage/market it.

My current goal is to build a close team that I can count on, that can count on me, and to own 4 long term rentals in the next 4 years. 

What is your goal with a property in those area's?

The goal is to create paper losses that offset your wife’s W2 income, reducing your tax bill. 

If things are tight or you don't have expendable income to invest I would go turn key. 2-4 unit properties would be great, the goal is to minimize your monthly housing expenses to save so if you are occupying a unit you will probably not cashflow

Anyway, good luck with your goals!

Set clear savings goals, but also give yourself a "fun fund" to enjoy small pleasures without feeling guilty.