I've never really done a deep dive in analyzing the area because it is a retirement community, median income is very low, and there arent a lot of jobs in the area.

Consider a HELOC for value-added BRRRRs or flips if you have a low interest rate.

We are looking for low maintenance (so primarily new construction or >2000 and well maintained/rennovated) single family homes.

However, I like that there isn't a lot of work to do and I could still make the property really cute with not much risk.Inventory is so low.

This is all indicative of a low interest rate environment. 

His credit score is fine but his income is showing too low to get the loan, so I though maybe I could use my HELOC to make the purchase and do a Lease to Own.

At the time, his offer was low, and I had potential plans for that space, so I turned him down.

"Good" areas will be priced high, "Bad" areas will be priced low. 

You got only 4 bookings from Airbnb because your ranking is really low on Airbnb.

If before getting a permit you have to dance around for Code Dept officials/ city gov and crime is thru the roof, investments will definitely be low whether real estate or other, but it should be benefiting the city officials to keep things that way.