Small towns may rely too much on a single business or market segment.

I know travelling nurses are one of the traditional customer segments within the 30 day rental market, but I'm guessing they probably wouldn't be my target in any of the places I'm looking.  

What segment of RE are you involved in?

I would guess that low-end segment in your market is probably dominated by owner-occupant non-investors.Consider that brick wall a friend, because many people walk around it and end up losing money.

Find a realtor who works in the investor segment and has a track record in your market. 

I turn down 3 deals a week for people wanting to sell us their mobile homes, and I do not like passing up opportunities but have not found how to move this particular segment . 

Small cities are too dependent on narrow market segments and single employers.

Kansas City is a relatively large market, and property management services can be relatively segmented as well. 

Nobody in our C/D market segment here in the 'Burgh except perhaps organized crime. 

Basically, you need to switch over to an entirely different segment of the lending industry.