You're spot on @Joe R. 

I am a hard money lender and these suggestions are pretty spot on.

Most entities don't like to do "Spot" zoning and put new zoning in the middle of different zoning.3. 

The Hard Stuff Still Pays OffYou’re spot on that we’re in a What can you do that is really hard market.

Links are kind of not allowed even though there is a spot for them in the post so some get removed.

Spot on @Sean O'Keefe. 

I agree with Collin.The Smokies do have a lot of competition, so you need to have a view, decent location, good to great amenities etc to stand out.We have a 6-bedroom cabin there, but I imagine a 3 to 4 bedroom would be in the sweet spot of not too big or not too small.

Once you know that, you'll be able to spot one that might have a better return than 'normal'.

I'm Pedro, from Lisbon but I live and work in Switzerland for some years.I'm interested in RE, and I wanted to start investing in Lisbon or some spots in Algarve.I'll be in Portugal on vacations, during August.

I would just excavate a few 2'x2'x2' (or larger if possible) spot footings, w rebar and Simpson hardware,under the house (you will want to take up the floor to make this easier to do).