I don't do Lonnie deals but I would agree that you probably should look for other fish in the sea.Are you intending on renting out homes ?

I call this fishing the MLS.

A perfect escape to hike, bike, fish, camp, raft, paddle etc. 

@Michael RomanThe lifetime capital gains exemption is applicable to the sale of a) qualified small business {CCPC} shares; b) qualified farm property or c) qualified fishing property/business.A qualified small business must generate its revenues in the form of active income, which explicitly disqualifies holding/investment companies whose income is predominately passive.   

I did start broadening my search area to Guntersville/Athens/Decatur but the number of properties out there right now wasn't encouraging especially with the pricing people are wanting for them. 

You're going to have to broaden your target markets.

A response on your attorney's letterhead might make the assessor move on to an easier fishing spot.

It broadens one's mind because "10 year agency debt is safest or best" might indeed be too simplistic.

Asking what that meant...he said he wanted to be his own boss and go hunting and fishing anytime he wanted.  

'Be a big fish in a small pond', or 'be greedy where others are fearful' and all that.