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. ????

buy a small multi and live in the smaller unit. 

You could start by reaching out to any local corporations that do assisted living in your area and see what they are looking for (location, space specs, etc). 

I live in Phoenix AZ, where we take our pool safety very seriously, as kids die every year in pools because it's warm and they swim much of the year. 

My Ex-wife currently lives in my fathers home.

This residence features 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, encompassing approximately 1,700 square feet of living space.

I was fine with all these numbers.Then I met with contractors...First, I wanted to add a new bathroom and approximately 450 sq ft of additional living space.

Quote from @Nilusha Jayasinghe: Hey all, I'm a smalltime investor currently living in a flat of a Chicago 2-flat while renting the other out, and also have a SFH rental in OH. 

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Since your metric is modest cash flow with long-term appreciation, focus on neighborhoods with a history of steady growth and tenant stability.As a realtor, you already have the skills to analyze deals—so trust your instincts and take action!