I'm originally from the area and have been starting to look at some properties there as I am living in New Jersey.

My name is David Burton and I live in TN!

However, I am thinking of having my parents who are retired living there part of the year and doing STR for the remainder of the time.

Do these folks have temporary  overage for places to live?

I own a 4plex where I live in one and rent the other 3. 

At minimum, stage the living room and primary bedroom to give it some warmth.That said, have you thought about cutting bait and putting your money into a market where the numbers actually work?

I bought a single family because I thought I could house hack in the same way as a duplex and in ways it certainly could have and did work but I didn't expect the relational aspects of having people living in a property I purchased.

Are you looking to find a home to buy for yourself to live in? 

It depends how long you plan on living.

I am looked at by the loan officer as living in a situation rent free. 3.