However, with careful planning and a proactive approach, you can navigate these hurdles successfully.

Quote from @Sean Barnebey: This is an interesting opportunity, and it sounds like you’re approaching it wisely by considering the numbers carefully.

I’d be very careful about who you replace this tenant with. 

I care most about the Internal Rate of Return (helps me determine how long to hold a property), the cash on cash return (helps me decide why this investment vs other options, and it also takes into consideration appreciation of the property!)

Care to share the details?

@Anthony Saheed I would advise you to be very careful to recommend people to speculate in volatile real estate markets.

Highlight features and amenities they care about most.

The key difference, though, was he spent months carefully getting to know the local architecs, reputable builders, and even a couple of niche design firms that specialize in modern builds for mid- to high-end buyers.

There's lots of properties for sale in the Smoky mountains so you may also have a larger selection of options to purchase as well.

Be careful not to place your identity in your age/success in RE.