The benefits on the lending side are huge--lower rates and much lower down payment requirements.

It requires discipline and staying the course.

Because if you can make a 50% down payment it just seems that it is better to invest in other properties requiring less cash

That is what my lender required.

Tutorials  emphasize the need to do due diligence on all the following:--check for taxes and liens against the property--find out which taxes and liens, if any, will remain attached to the property--make sure it is a buildable lot--to do above, you need to establish how the lot is classified for code purposes, and access the lot specifications, minimums the lot must meet for construction to be allowed--you further need to find out what its sewage situation is because 1) municipalities have different lot minimum specification for lots with public sewage and lots with septic; and 2) if the lot will require the construction of a septic tank, you need to take that into account in your decision.

I was told by my HVAC gut that the government was going to be requiring AC units to be butane based refrigerant replacing R410A so the prices were going up 10-15%. 

How we all get around this in the industry is the rest of the states if its a commerical purpose loan no license required..

It seems Eastern TN is highly saturated / competitive for STR's, but it is such a desirable location for STR's. 

This prompted me to shift my focus towards planning for the future and setting clear goals.Motivated by a desire to own a home someday, I began exploring listings on platforms like Zillow and Redfin.

With 6 roomies, and possibly a lot of turnover, (Mi cocina es la cochina de nadie)Same for the restrooms, livingroom and yard.Maybe some maid service to keep the place(s) as desirable living space.I wouldn't not expect flop house types to be big on cleaning up other roommates messes .