They’re affordable and a hit with families and groups, especially for evenings or bad weather.

I maintain even break even on valuation (which is rare in SF Zoned areas), the ADU has big disadvantages versus new property acquisition including financing, level of effort, rent control, prop tax being based on cost rather than value added, length of time including length of time from first expenditures to first income, reduction of something from existing unit (in your case existing home lost its garage).Did you see starting next year Mf can add an ADU per unit up to 8 units without any affordable housing concessions?

I'm not sure why you 'cannot really afford to lose' this job.

Affordable relative to the rest of the US so great place to work remote or just enjoy a reasonable life without being hugely cost burdened Cons: A lot of older than 1980s construction (you 100% can be successful with these properties just have more to check during due diligence) Need to be mindful of market rents in the area and not overspend on renovations where there is not ROI to do so, you can’t usually exceed $2 sf on rental rates and average price per sf is 1.25-1.5 sf (neighborhood, unit type, and finish level specific).KC is not a boom and bust market, you don’t get the high highs or the low lows.

Having to use their lender is annoying, but for someone who has done it before or at least knows it can be a frustrating process, it's worth it for the deal they give you. 

You should talk with lenders to get an idea of what you can actually afford though it doesn't really matter if you talk with an agent first since most agents will have lender recommendations.

I see a few abandoned nursing home type places in rural areas, and always think as I drive by, would a good repurpose of them being senior living, or veteran living, or just plain affordable housing living? 

MFDUs in high-demand areas like Asheville might be limited, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for smaller duplexes or triplexes that align with your budget.If neither works, continuing to rent while buying a pure investment property in a more affordable nearby market could make sense.

BUY ALL YOU CAN AFFORD!

So even though the total housing numbers may go up, they are not meeting demand for the working class renters who need affordable housing.