Sort of.

well if I ever make it to the Smokies to see what the draw is  I will rent a condo then :)  I am just guess but I suspect folks that go there want to be in the woods and hear the birds and maybe some local mtn views etc.. or some sort of privacy they never get at home out east were there is not very much public lands close to where they live in the big city. ????

I live in Asheville and am looking at STR in the Franklin area - agree with other posters that it's sort of between more desirable destinations, but also seems that the lower prices reflect that.

I’m not sure what sort of extensive “due diligence” you did but clearly you didn’t.

Similar to the comments above on using FurnishedFinder, also check Airbnb and sort for 30+ day rental options. in addition, I'd recommend talking to the local university and hospitals nearby by calling to their various departments.

This sort of thing is market specific.

Do they use pen and paper to record this information or do they have some sort of software to manage it? 

I'm guessing they want some sort of updates during the rehab.  

I’d recommend waiting till you have a cushion of some sort depending on your comfort level before you take the plunge and buy the second deal.

There has never been any sort of lease signed nor has she ever paid anything more than a few electric bills which are next to nothing since he has solar.