re: Going fully remote - seeking advice on where to locate to.

TN has some great geography, it's above the frost line (so they get all 4 seasons), property taxes aren't bad and there's no state income tax (in most cases). There are some good schools in TN, but many are going to be in more expensive areas (properties in TN overall have been increasing in value as it's become one of the big states people are moving to). Prices are starting to come down in some areas, but remaining sticky in others (which is likely the case in many of the more desirable states in the country).

You can possibly find something worthwhile outside of Chattanooga, Memphis (the Collierville/Farmington/Germantown area) or Knoxville (I would stay away from Nashville as it's been going through insane growth and that seems to be what you are wanting to get away from).