Tenn. Code Ann. § 45-3-602: Investments in real estate

(a) Business Property. Every association has the power to invest in real property or interests in real property that the board of directors may deem necessary for the conduct of the business of the association, which, for the purposes of this chapter, shall be deemed to include the ownership of stock of a wholly owned subsidiary corporation having as its exclusive activity the ownership and management of the property or interests, but the amount so invested shall not exceed the net worth of the association; provided, that the commissioner may authorize a greater amount to be so invested.

(b) Purchase of Real Estate. Every association has the power to invest an amount not exceeding the lesser of its net worth or five percent (5%) of its assets in the purchase of real estate in its primary lending area for the purpose of producing income or for inventory and sale or for improvement, including the erection of buildings on the real estate, for sale or rental purposes, and the association may hold, sell, lease, operate, or otherwise exercise the rights of an owner as to the property. Marketable title to all real estate acquired under this subsection (b) shall be taken and held in the name of the association, and the title shall immediately be recorded in accordance with the laws of this state.