Verifying last 2 years of rental history very important!

Yea I have been talking to some mentors and they have stressed the importance of having instant equity and multiple exit strategies in a market like this.

There are dozens of problems you can face as a landlord, and I feel it's important to have a plan for all of them.

@Matt McNabb no one's asking you the most important questions:1) How many hours/week do you put in at your day job?

We did not know if our proximity to Nashville would be more important because of the fact that we would be doing a short-term rental with the property for half of the year and then using the property exclusively as a rental in a few years?

You left out the most important number. 

Verifying last 2 years of rental history very important!

. - That's how people feel heard and important.2.

The factors you mentioned are very important to keep in mind for any investment, but I like investing in areas I know. 

Off street parking is typically more important for high end/expensive rentals.