While I currently live outside Portland, OR, I plan to begin investing in Tennessee. I am interested in getting feedback about Chattanooga vs Knoxville. 

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Business should start to extend only because there is nothing left to eat in the market not because you are losing in the competition. 

Effectively good egg is simply a P.O. box that takes a Commission out of your hard earned/saved money, in return, for purportedly providing due diligence to vet the potential projects and sponsors, on your behalf.

Our team will be eating duck, goose and a lot of eggs. 

I’m open to either a townhouse or a single-family home, but I’m definitely trying to steer clear of any crazy HOAs that eat into cash flow (you know what I’m talking about!).

I'm really excited about the potential of investing in residential multifamily properties with my dad, who's willing to contribute the initial funds.We're currently working on getting our financial house in order, paying off debt, and building a solid nest egg.

Great nest egg. 

I am 100% ok with my w2 providing me income to maintain my life and grow a nest egg for the later aspect of life  

A good mix of LTR'S is a very good idea so that all your eggs aren't in the STR basket.I like tourist destinations where STR'S are heavily ingrained and almost impossible to ban or regulate out of existence.