Someone's experience in one area doesn't necessarily translate into what you will deal with.One way to get local info is to drive around and look at in-progress projects. 

I've considered driving for dollars but don't know how to target specific neighborhoods in my price range.

I know there's a great deal for me to learn, but with passion, willingness to learn all I can, and a personal drive I know I can do it.

What IS close to home, 1 mile, 30 minute drive?

Ive tried the 'driving for dollars' tactic, however to be truthful, in my area there are just not many vacant homes and a lot of the homes in my area that SEEM vacant are actually just being renovated. 

I’ve been “working” driving Lyft and shopping with Shipt and being a field rep for RP Field.

The length and stability of the property’s income stream is what drives value.

Its a short drive to both disney and knotts, so we will check into it. 

I need to find something that is not too far of a drive (McKinney or Rowlett are what I would consider a reasonable maximum commute time) and where I won't get murdered or robbed every few months.

Start, as much as possible with things that work at 1 property or 100 properties so you're not having to completely change your practices as you go through growth phases.