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:
Staycating LLC
Staycating is a vacation rental and property management platform focused on the Smoky Mountains and East Tennessee. The company connects travelers with curated short-term rental properties while supporting owners with marketing, guest communication, and day-to-day operations.
Learn more about Staycating L
https://staycatingpartners.com
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
No upcoming events
