Because the batteries are easily removable, I'm a little concerned that tenants will try to hack the system by removing them.

The batteries in my crystal ball are running low.

Pure madness!” 

For now, I've considered continuing to pursue value adds in New England, where I can make a higher profit in pure dollars, and then investing that in these growing cities with cheaper costs, like Dallas.

He saved himself a hundred bucks a month or so on management fees at the cost of SEVERAL months of non payment.He sold the house once it was empty because "This renting thing doesn't work" making a small amount on the sale purely because of market appreciation.

Those are GREAT for pure cashflow!

Not $11 to change batteries in a smoke detector.  

This home would be somewhat of a "pet project" as opposed to a pure great ROI purchase, but need to be sure it could at least have some monthly cash flow. 

If the place looks rough, they are going to look closer.I always bring my tool bag and a couple of extra smoke detectors and batteries because I don't know if the city actually changes their rules that often or if it's just inspectors that change what they think the rules are but it seems locations are always changing-inside the bedrooms, outside the bedrooms, by the kitchen, nowhere near the kitchen etc.

Also curious about east/north knoxville, but I dont know enough to feel comfortable with those areas yet.The idea is to repeat the process (maybe without us moving each time, the next one can be a pure investment property) and buy one every year.Input/help/guidance is welcome from those who have already travelled down this path.Also, would love to hear about specific experts (lenders and contractors) who you would recommend.