Sec 8 Local HA not helpful, not answering my FMR rent questions

[Greg Karbett]

My Local Housing Authority is not responding to my email. We called and found they are not friendly nor helpful.
My first question, are the small area FMRs published on https://huduser.gov, is that just a max that can be charged? What I mean is if the local fair market rents are not that high, will the HA still allow/approve rent well above FMR for that zip code? Target area is Southern Maryland.
My second question, how can I determine if the market has a need before I purchase the investment property? Post a phony on Craigslist? Maybe gosection8.com?