This year might not be the best year to go all in with an investment if the sole goal is cash flow or appreciation (not personal use).In a mature market such as the smokies, I think you can reasonably arrive at a fairly narrow occupancy rate. 

Best way to find a lender is from someone referring from personal experience . 

This is very true for anything remotely affordable or entry level.

If I have to boot someone I'll have it re-rented for more money in a week and the person getting booted will probably be living under the bridge as they won't find anything as cheap as me. 

I have a client who is in need of a personal loan (under 15K).

Depending on income and credit there are always credit card, personal line of credit and personal loan options available out there

Don't ever put your other personal asset as collateral for any Kinda of loan.

I both agree and completely disagree with this list.What is an advantage to one person, can be a detriment to another.  

I personally invest in both markets myself. 

I would never put these in a flip because of the price point I am at here, but these are great for rental properties at reasonable price points.Make sure it can fit - if it's one piece, you need a large entry way and doorways to get it in.