Many would suggest against RE investing using retirement money but if you go into low risk opportunities it can be a powerful diversification method.

So making it my primary is a low bar.   

Cost per lead (CPL) is crucial—it shows how much you're paying to get a potential seller or buyer’s info, and you want this as low as possible without sacrificing quality.

You may have an advantage since there is very low deal volume in your area, and may have multiple bidders.Good luckGino

People also love the back deck with the string lights and a nice seating area. 

Prices a few years ago were based on expectations of (in addition to interest rates staying low): - Then current operating cost assumptions (like insurance cost expectations being flat)- A seeming disregard for record levels of new inventory / supply hitting the market- Extremely high inbound migration expectations which are likely to not be met, due to both natural disasters and the boomerang effect when people from California or the Northeast move to the American South and hate every minute of the humidity, the large and relentless swarm of insects, and the occasional hurricane. 

If my target would be low income residents, are there any grants, tax credits, or funds available to help me with the conversion? 

Same with interior pics, I lightened some, lighting is important.

Personally I like keeping my properties that I know are successful and have low maintenance.

Most of the stuff you can get at Home Depot or Lowes and get it the next day, so no delays once you decide on something.