The unit happens to be empty right now but they have a half dozen tenant applications in hand right now in case I opt to not move in.

Given that this is the first of what I hope is at least a handful of properties in the Chattanooga area, my initial thought is to furnish it, use it while I am there, and vacation rental it when I am not. 

Time jealous job, no time for hands-on landlording.

There's a lot of hands in the deal. 

do a background check make sure you know who you are "getting into bed with" before money changes hands. 

I can't find a live person on the other hand able to help, other than transferring me to voice messages of someone...Property BDifferent bank. 

She sees it inside and out, says she likes it...and as she hands my PM the deposit money and also the first month's rent she requests a couple of very very very minor things.My PM says he will take care of it within 48 hours....nothing major, and gives her the keys, and drops her back off at her hotel. 

If you're itching to start out, I might suggest starting with something more passive to get your the portfolio started, while you learn the ropes for something more DIY / hands-on (just assuming that's what you want, given your reference to management skill).

Start reading whatever you can get your hands on in this space!

I have both a lot of time and money on my hands, so I'm willing to co-invest in someone's project in exchange for an on-hands shadowing and learning opportunity.