Can a hospital really not answer this question?

[Pat Jackson]

I'm looking at a small town (probably too small) to invest in.  There is a small hospital, and I'm curious about the potential of providing nicer (maybe even furnished) rentals to traveling staff.  I know I've seen this work in larger communities.

I emailed the hospital the following:

Hello, this may be an odd request. I grew up in *********, MO (near *********), but still travel to ********* a few times a year. I'm considering buying a duplex to stay at while I visit. I'm interested in renting out the other side.  I'm curious if there's much of a demand or shortage for higher quality housing for traveling and short term medical professionals. I don't know if you have traveling doctors and nurses. Any insight would be much appreciated!

From hospital

Good morning,
We do have doctors who travel in for outpatient clinics and other traveling staff, but I’m afraid we would not be able to speak to their rental needs. However, we might suggest speaking with someone from one of the local real estate agencies for another perspective. We hope you have a great day and we wish you well in your future endeavors.

My question is this: can they actually not talk about the general rental needs of traveling staff?  I imagine whoever wrote this either doesn't care to properly answer, or doesn't know they legally can.

I see this as a "if mom says no ask dad" situation, however I want to make sure this is a question someone at the hospital can actually answer before I keep digging.