I am seeking an early retirement and it looks like real estate is the way. 

You need sufficient NET (after all expenses) self-employment income from something like contract (1099) work, being a Realtor, wholesaling and so on.

What's the activity level been like?

I suspect maybe something like Hagerstown or Cumberland, which yeah are Class D like markets with declining populations, high drug problems, no strong job base which leads to non paying tenants.

Unless you are looking at upper tier properties, you will likely be disappointed in Gatlinburg currently due to the over saturation in that market.

Looks like they had a nice outdoor event.

Also, explore creative financing options like seller financing or private loans to reduce upfront capital needs.

We now own the beat-up POS property that we need like a hole in the head.

It seems like there’s an opportunity here for the right buyers who still believe in BRRRR.Curious to hear from those who’ve been in the game longer—do you still do BRRRR, or did you pivot?

It’s all about surrounding yourself with like-minded people who have the same goals, and you’re definitely in the right place with BP for that.