The common thought from everyone is that the premium thing in the Smokies market is the view.

Platforms like PropStream, PropertyRadar, and Reonomy are commonly used because they’re built around deed, tax, and ownership records, which generally makes owner names, mailing addresses, and phone numbers more reliable for property research.

.), kind of what Grant Cardone preaches.In expensive markets like mine, it is very common for folks to rent until their late 30's/early 40's.Although nationwide inventory is up about 13% and recent unemployment reports have fallen below the 4-week average, I don't think affordability will improve anytime soon. 

They can tell you which areas they like working in, tenant profiles, rent trends, and common maintenance issues.

Common mistakes to watch out forare underestimating management, repair and vacancy costs or ignoring tenant laws that differ from your home state that can turn a good deal bad quick.

That alone puts you ahead of most people looking at small multifamily.Short answer: yes, your numbers can be realistic, but they tend to be market-specific and usually show up in secondary or tertiary markets, not major metros.In the Treasure Valley (specifically Canyon County), we still see 2–4 unit opportunities that come close to what you’re describing, especially when rents are slightly under market and there’s room to optimize.Here’s a real example in Nampa, Idaho that illustrates how this can pencil:Purchase Price: $525,000Down Payment: 5%Loan Type: FHA (numbers shown for transparency)Monthly CostsPrincipal & Interest: $2,831Taxes: $262Insurance: ~$100FHA MIP: $211Total Monthly Payment: $3,389IncomeCurrent rents: $3,050/monthMarket rents (conservative): $1,325 per unit × 3 = $3,975That puts the property at roughly a 1.17 DSCR at market rents.Operating AssumptionsLawn care: $100Electricity (common): $115W/S/T: $115Gas: $64Vacancy (5%): ~$199After expenses, this property is projected to cash flow ~$560/month, even before factoring in appreciation or future rent growth.

Great thing about vacation homes is that they only require 10% down and can be used as a STR.Multifamily ony require 15% down plus you get to use the current common rents as income at 75% of the monthly. 

You're going to want to look at the coinsurance clause.This clause requires the insured to carry coverage equal to a specified percentage of the home’s replacement cost (commonly 80% or 90%) to receive full payment on partial losses.

Also, in my experience when the builder joins in on the equity, it's common for him to be signing the loan.

If you have recommendations for other cities near the Milwaukee and Madison area that would cash flow, I would greatly appreciate the help.Thanks, Evan Rekowski Common newbie mistake!