@Christine JamesDid you find work?

Be sure to find out who pays for this.

@Jennifer LexonTo find a move-in ready property in Cleveland, Indiana, Kansas City, Memphis, and Pittsburgh, consider factors like affordable real estate prices, steady economic growth, strong rental markets, diverse neighborhoods, and diverse economies.

@Cory McArtor I did find this FYI: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/1185478-mid-s...

@Luka Milicevic makes an excellent point: the Greater Nashville area is tough on rookie investors because housing prices are too high, rents are too low, and it’s hard to find deals that pencil out.If you’re open to investing in areas outside (but still close to) Nashville, I’d suggest checking out Chattanooga.

Any idea on where to find a builder like that? 

@Ryan ThomaAs a private money broker, I find that each lender has their strength and weaknesses when it comes to building spec homes.

I'd also find out about mortgage insurance. 

Thus, I'm trying to find a convenient way to accept payments and transfer the payments to pay the mortgage. 

One reason I can think of they want to do a year is perhaps because they didn’t find a year lease elsewhere or your prices are more reasonable and affordable.