What zoning code could I request a zoning variance or rezoning that would allow us to have the 2 livable units on parcel, one primary residence and one additional living unit (known currently as ADU)?

I too live in Asheville, so Sapphire was closer than Cashiers and Highlands.

David,Yes, investing out of state can be a wise choice especially if you live in a State like CA, NY, NJ, CT where home prices are over priced and taxes are brutally high.

Live off of equity as you sell or live off cashflow.

The loan is with you, not with your tenant, so none of that means anything to them - in fact because you live in one unit and it's under 4, if you were self-managing you don't even have to abide by fair housing laws (at least on the federal level). 

As a CPA who lives and breathes real estate taxation, I've noticed something interesting that I want to share with the BiggerPockets community.

You can also do a live in flip where you use the equity to sell and reinvest down the road.

A little about me for context: I live in a very expensive market in Rye,NY. 

I think it would be the right direction since we already decided to buy using a VA loan and live in SC. 

I live and work in the Atlanta, GA area.