I don't expect the experience to be a cup of coffee or a steak dinner, but a genuine professional opinion on the property with cost numbers for repairs and renovations.Not so worried that my due diligence may cost me a bit more than a SFR or a turn-key property.

Besides ask yourself who shops most at those stores you mentioned? 

I have a few SFH in decent areas and am shopping for property management.  

Doesn't matter if they are in an A+ or C- area... some idiot will see an empty house and bust in thinking that you left your tools inside that they can take the pawn shop.

It is a Depression-Era, 1930 single family home with Art Deco design elements located about a block from the city's rejuvenated downtown area, where there are shops and restaurants, and across the street from The Siloam Springs Museum.

Now they have cash in the bank and 4 months to shop for a new home!

Her neighborhood has a great school, there are plans to have a shopping center, grocery stores and offices within the next 5 years. 

i am NW Austin and can probably scratch out a beer or coffee somwhere

Why not look at something very "earthy" like automotive repair shops and/or warehouse space? 

Have they shopped the property to anyone else at this point?