I've heard from locals in the know that the area is gentrifying and coming up, but I cannot confirm the accuracy of that statement. 

I am attempting to avoid a neighbor dispute about an oak tree branch hanging over their property and would like to consult with an attorney to be clear on the local law.  

Get a solid understanding of the business via going to local REIA's, signing up for free webinars and attending events4.

I think we are already starting to see that shift, and that midterm rentals will grow in popularity not only with travelers but also with local tenants.

I am very interested in a local meet up.

Thanks a local real estate facebook group might be a good place to start.

Apologies, I'm new to this.This will be my first home and I will be doing house hacking for a year or two with hopes of renting it out thereafter.The townhome is a new construction located in Middle Tennessee, about 40 min from Nashville and is located not too far from the town center.

In addition to that, I check for criminal background and evictions through the local source for that region.

Have you invested in either a Local Metro or a Nearby Rural area?

If the price point is feasible I'd advise to do your first flip locally that way you can build systems and processes and gain the experience of doing a flip while being able to monitor close by.