Draft Standard Operating Procedures to advise on decisions concerning investments in addition to actions.

I am concerned about the due on sale clause.

However, long-term appreciation is better in TN compared to Buffalo, NY, and if we wait too long we are concerned the hot market of TN will keep going up, and perhaps out of our price range.

Your concern is a good one, buying in this market at high rates = high payments and you may not cashflow if you were to repeat the process.However, 2 considerations. (1) By not doing it you don't have 800-1000 in your pocket, so although the payment on the new place might be higher than in a normal market you've got extra funds to cover it.(2) Your new rate is not forever, perhaps in this high rate market, it's as you say, best case you're breaking even if you repeat this process.

Let's explore some effective approaches for managing investment properties:With a Property Manager:Screening and Selecting Tenants: Entrust your property manager to handle tenant screening, background checks, and selection, ensuring reliable renters for your investment.Rent Collection: Property managers can ensure timely rent collection and handle any late payments or lease violations professionally.Maintenance and Repairs: Delegate routine maintenance tasks and repairs to your property manager, who can coordinate with contractors and vendors to keep your property in top condition.Tenant Relations: Property managers serve as the primary point of contact for tenants, addressing their concerns and ensuring a positive rental experience.Lease Enforcement and Evictions: Trust your property manager to enforce lease terms and handle the eviction process if necessary, following legal procedures.Financial Management: Property managers can handle financial tasks such as budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, providing you with regular updates on property performance.Without a Property Manager:Self-Management: Take on the responsibility of managing the property yourself, handling tasks such as advertising vacancies, screening tenants, and collecting rent.Outsourcing Specific Tasks: While not hiring a full-time property manager, consider outsourcing tasks like maintenance and repairs to trusted contractors or service providers.Utilizing Technology: Leverage property management software and online platforms to streamline processes such as rent collection, lease management, and maintenance requests.Establishing Clear Policies: Set clear policies and procedures for tenants regarding rent payments, maintenance requests, and lease terms to minimize conflicts and misunderstandings.Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the property to identify maintenance issues or lease violations early on and address them promptly.Building Relationships: Maintain open communication and positive relationships with tenants to foster a sense of community and encourage better care of the property.Whether you choose to hire a property manager or manage the property yourself, effective communication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to property management are key to maximizing returns and maintaining the value of your investment.

What are your issues/concerns?

My suspicion is, the dead guy won't bother to redeem the property.My main concern is environmental contamination.

but once a policy is in place and there is sufficient cash value then credit is of no concern and it's yours to leverage how you see fit.As for the $20k that can absolutely be sufficient to flip a property or help flip a property.

However, concerned about the general wear and tear these tenants will have on a brand new construction. 

Our concerns is that because the mortgage sits at $2.8k  for new construction and average rent in both cities for those sized properties are below mortgage that we will be coming out of pocket.