While it was clear with every turn in this 3500 square foot house, the grandeur and what a special place it once was, it was also obvious that it was not being well cared for (it was a pig sty with dirty dishes, clothes, beer cans everywhere) plus there were so many places with wood rot, shoddy work done, codes violations galore, asbestos tape around the pipes, gaping holes in the sofits etc. etc. etc.  

Occasionally they are "overlooked" by the courthouse.If the property is vacant you should get immediate possession.

Here, the extra percentages make up for the occasional loss, time value, legal, headaches, etc.If you’ve done enough loans, you know your default rate and should be able to calculate the required percent increase.

I'm only in Atlanta a couple of times a year, so I'd be setting up a vacation rental that I would use occasionally.

It is just about what flavor of ice cream you love and the occasional bad taste you can stomach from it, keep going, and be happy still.    

While most tenants are great, occasionally we come across difficult ones who create challenges like frequent unjustified complaints, non-cooperation, late rent payments, or lease violations.

I’d like to keep it in NC or close to home to begin I think, just to keep eyes on things occasionally. 

It does happen occasionally. 

The next consideration is checking on the septic system occasionally. 

Thanks @Brian White - the site is ripropinfo.com - and beside's Brian's excellent insights you'll also need to register with the RI Secretary of State, @Steve Porcello, as an out of state landlord.If you're serious about investing in RI I'd recommend joining or staying apprised of (and occasionally attending for relevant topics) RIREIG which usually meets the 3rd Thursday of each month (rireig.com).RI often takes inspiration from MA with various laws, but they are not exactly the same and it's important to know the differences, such as various landlord-tenant considerations, lead paint, fire coding, etc.