Any market that you're interested in, there should be a quality provider in that area that you will need to vet so you can be confident about your goals being met.As far as PM goes... if you find a management firm that consistently gets the job done and is 100% TRANSPARENT then it's probably best to maintain that relationship as they probably won't like you working with their competitors. 

Continue the process until I have consistent income to quit my W2 job.  

If you are consistent with learning real estate over the next 4-6 months, you’ll be ready to purchase your first (or next) property in NO TIME!

@Scott Winter - your best chance to get a cash out refinance with zero seasoning is to work with banks who you have a long standing relationship with, and a track record for paying all your previous loans with them consistently and on time.  

My future plans consist of short-term rentals in Gatlinburg, TN, which is only about 45 minutes from where I grew up.

The idea is- I'll pony up the initial cash, provide the brokerage with a stream of consistent listings, help recruit agents, and handle the strategic business decisions/ administrative duties, while my partner will handle the day-to-day operations of the business. 

Used appliances are not a problem and solve the not-always-consistent inspection "requirement" for a stove for FHA buyers.  

The idea is- I'll pony up the initial cash, provide the brokerage with a stream of consistent listings, help recruit agents, and handle the strategic business decisions/ administrative duties, while my partner will handle the day-to-day operations of the business.

You're right about the lot, but it's consistent with the other houses in the area. 

I am only looking at SFH now, and would be open to look at multiple of those if rent is consistent and makes sense for cash flow.