I'm form Huntsville but work with investors across AL. 

Investing in a new market even as an experienced investor can be quite challenging. 

And to answer your question, yes, DTI issues are usually why investors start using DSCR loans. 

I am a very active realtor in both the Kansas and Missouri side of the CASEY metro, and I frequently work with local and out-of-state investors, helping folks find small multi as well as STR compatible homes.

It's tough to compete with that as an investor.

I understand if you’re going in with a partner and you don’t trust them enough to use TICs and insurance, but as a solo investor why?

We have a great community of investors here.  

You'll lose rent while property is vacant, and you'll probably have to do more repairs to attract a new tenant than you would to keep the current tenant.Is all that worth requiring a tenant to use one specific payment platform?

I have looked into hard money loans but they are all for investors.

Start by networking with local investors through Augusta REI meetups, BiggerPockets forums, and Facebook groups.