I think you want both, cash flow and appreciation, that is the sweet spot.

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

But they had to jump through a dozen HOA hoops..eventually, the building got stricter on short-term stays.For single-family homes, if you can snag something with a scenic deck or quick access to popular spots, you’d be surprised how many travelers pay a premium for that “living like a local” vibe.

Consider places like Riverview, Brandon, or even Lakeland—these spots have great growth potential without the premium Tampa prices.

I know a lot of spots in Utah have very good REIAs.

In a slow market homes sit and rot, they are on the MLS forever and the longer it sits, the lower the price goes to find the sweet spot for just the perfect buyer.

Too many people get stuck in analysis by paralysis and then before they know it it's been 5 years and they are in the same spot Do you think my age will impact my authority as a landlord?

100% agree with @Collin Hays - find a local manager, preferably one not too large or not too small, I would say 30-90 properties is usually a sweet spot.

If you had 20 years of experience, great connections in the US, and knew your market in and out then I would say you could probably leverage at a higher rate and could probably manage that risk because you have substantially decreased all of the other risks.You should really study what happened in the US during the 80's when overleverage on real estate put a lot of people in a bad spot.

Invest in some awesome parking facilities, like garages or covered spots.