Assessing an unknown market ?

[Jory Harvey]

First post , so if I'm in the wrong area let me know . We are looking to acquire our first buy and hold property . The town where I work has zero rental houses available (though a few apartments and mobiles are ) therefore I am uncertain of the demand . A local real estate agent claims at least 2-3 people a week ask her about one , and though I don't doubt her , I wonder if these are qualified renters . Any ideas on how to gauge demand ?