About us
Welcome to GRID!
GRID Smokies is a real estate community built by investors for investors. We are a group of real people doing real deals.
Our core mission is to connect to, learn from, and collaborate with like-minded people interested in building wealth and creating impact through real estate.
We welcome investors of all experience levels. We are life-long learners and believe everyone has value to share.
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How it works
We meet once a month, 12 months a year, on the same day, week, and time of the month. Each month we cover a different investing topic in the Lifecycle of an Investor—ranging from wholesaling to rehabbing to becoming a bank through private lending.
Our meetings are not sales pitches. They are opportunities for us to dive deep into a real estate topic, connect with local experts in our marketplace, and build long-term relationships with other doers and deal-makers.
All of our events are 100% FREE.
Learn more about GRID Investor at www.gridinvestor.com
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Join the GRID Facebook Community online 8K+
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor
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Your GRID Leadership
GRID Smokies is led by Vernon Corum and Nathan Gort.
## About Vernon
Vernon Corum, known as “The Short-Term Pro,” is the Founder of Staycating, Realtor, and GRID Coach focused on the Smoky Mountains short-term rental space. He works with investors and agents on building and operating vacation rentals through clear strategy, structured systems, and a strong emphasis on hospitality.
His focus is on helping others better understand how short-term rentals operate, from setup to guest experience, while contributing to a growing investor community in the Smokies.
At home, Vernon is a husband to Jeannette, father to Bryce, Jake, and Seth, and dog dad to Zelda, Winnie, and Koda. He is also involved in the 865 Academy, where he supports youth education around entrepreneurship, homeownership, and investing.
## About Nathan
Nathan Gort, also known as “The Coach,” brings a strategy-focused approach to real estate and lending. Raised on Hilton Head Island, he was exposed early to real estate and construction, which shaped how he evaluates deals and market opportunities.
Nathan works with clients across a range of real estate strategies, including short-term and long-term rentals, house hacking, and lending structures. His approach centers on understanding each situation, analyzing the numbers, and helping clients make informed decisions.
He has experience with traditional financing, non-QM products, DSCR loans, and private capital. His focus is on deal structure, planning, and helping clients navigate options with clarity.
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Our partners:
Casago Smoky Mountains
Casago Smoky Mountains is a locally owned vacation rental management company specializing in luxury cabin getaways throughout the Smoky Mountains.
Their team provides full-service property management while delivering exceptional guest experiences rooted in southern hospitality and local expertise.
Led by experienced East Tennessee investors and operators, they bring extensive knowledge in vacation rentals, real estate development, and property management.
Learn more about Casago Smoky Mountains
https://casago.com/smoky-mountains/
theLender is a direct mortgage lender that provides financing solutions for homebuyers, real estate investors, and self-employed borrowers. The company offers a range of loan programs, including conventional and non-traditional options, designed to accommodate different financial profiles and property types.
Learn more about theLender
https://thelender.com/
Upcoming events
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Commercial 101: Office, Retail, Industrial, and Storage
The Pines, 230 Court Avenue,, Sevierville, TN, US# THE SMOKIES ARE CHANGING. ARE YOU READY?
What's REALLY Coming to Sevier County?
Development. Downtown Revitalization. Growth. Opportunity.
Sevier County is evolving, and the decisions being made today could shape the future of our communities, businesses, and real estate market for years to come.Join us for our November GRID Smokies Meetup as we welcome a local resident who is actively involved in development and downtown revitalization for an inside perspective on what's happening, what's being planned, and where Sevier County may be headed next.
We'll explore:
Development & Growth – What's changing across Sevier County, and what could be coming next?
Downtown Revitalization – How are our downtown communities being transformed, and what does that mean for local businesses?
Real Estate & Investment Opportunities – How could growth create new opportunities for property owners, investors, and entrepreneurs?
Challenges & Opportunities – How do we balance growth, infrastructure, tourism, and preserving what makes the Smokies special?
The Future of Sevier County – What might our communities look like in the next 5–10 years?Whether you're a Realtor, real estate investor, developer, contractor, business owner, or simply passionate about the future of the Smokies, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!
Come connect with local professionals, gain valuable insights, ask questions, and discover opportunities to grow your business and your network.
Come for the training, stay for the networking!
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Join the GRID Facebook CommunityJoin the online GRID community here to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe.
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Past events
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