@Lee Bailey, don't you think that makes sense?

Eventually we would like to fix up the short term rental in the Smokies as well, thinking that we could do this for approx. $5000.

As for the outlets, I think you're worried about the wrong thing.

First step is to not worry about what others think.

Would the piers alone be a turn off to investors when thinking about the long term ie. renters, or selling the property.

I don't think your chances are very good. 

if you think there is more equity there you could have an appraisal done… but some lenders will not re-evaluate a recent purchase for a set period of time… they will just stick with the old purchase price as its value (varies by lender) unless you can show significant improvements you did to justify a higher price. 

I think this is what D.T. has eluded to. 

I will make about 10 to 12k on this one he will make about 60k without putting up a dime.4. fix and flip  he put up 10k but we had to remove the tenant so its under rehab now.. same spread as the first one  he will get his 10k back and make about 30k I will make 10 to 12k for loaning in 100k for 6 months.. 5. cosmetic flip  cant recall the numbers but this one i funded 100% and its about done I will make my 10k and he thinks he will make 15 to 17k on a 30 day rehab prime area of his little berg.I also pay all the insurance he has to pay UTLS though and he has to put up EM which you know the mid west its a joke 200.00 bucks or 500.00 bucks..

I put some numbers below into this Rent or Sell calculator.https://www.narpm.org/members/resources/rent-vs-sell-calculator/ESTIMATES ON ROI (15 year time frame)at 5% Appreciation would profit $100K if SELL nowat 6% Appreciation would have $3,500K more if KEEP and sell after 15 yearsat 7% Appreciation would profit 122K if KEEP and sell after 15 years(Assuming a conservative 6% ROI on money invested from sale.)NOTE: The property appreciated 10% in the last year so I’m thinking 7% over the next 10-15 is reasonable.DETAILSSale Value: $520,000 (Best guess)Paid: $437,000Original Mortgage: $415,000Mortgage Balance: $380,000Interest: 3.375%Monthly mortgage: $2,899Mortgage Difference: $1064Annual Taxes, Insurance, HOA etc**: $20,345**$13,865 (Non Homestead tax) $4,680 (HOA) $1,800 (Landlord Insurance)Monthly Rental Charge $3,500*Appreciation 7%Years to Hold: 15More assumptions used in ROI Estimates Above90% occupancy,15% capital gains charge6% selling feeRate of return on gains if selling now instead 6%Annual maintenance 1%Annual rent increase 4%$3,500 is slightly aggressive. unlikely I could get more.Thanks in advance for any constructive thoughts and comments!!!!