Had we scheduled the closing in the morning, there would not have been an issue.The only potential upside is that a disaster area declaration triggers changes in mortgage rules that could beneficial to the buyer. 

You could potentially put as little as 3% down if it's a single family home and 5% down for 2-4 units.

What do contractors typically charge to come out to a potential property and walk through and fill out a SOW with pricing?    

There are several websites available today that will help you to calculate potential rents.

My advice would be to specifically retain a potential eviction attorney from the start, in order to be prepared for how this *may* go. 

You can then measure the cash flow impact versus the potential cash you would obtain upon a sale.

Out-of-state investors love it out here because of the low barrier to entry, high rental demand (your house is not going to sit vacant), and lots of growth potential in areas that are going through revitalization, among other things.

Would going to local real estate meet ups be the best way to find potential investors I could partner with?

If that furniture grants you that performance potential go for it.It appears you're looking more so for what your break even point is.

Cash flow can be great if you manage it well and keep occupancy rates high, but factor in the added costs of management, cleaning, and potential vacancy dips.