I'm right next door in Gaithersburg.If you don't have a property yet, I'd attempt a househacking strategy.

The house is sound and there's no reason the thing couldn't be rehabbed withe plenty of room for profit.

Yes, inventory is low right now, but off-market still has plenty of opportunities.

Which in turn will bring plenty of other investors and general business to the area.

I'd recommend looking at similar nearby properties that have sold with 1 or 2 adu's.

I think 2 baths for a 3 bedroom house in plenty, but just my opinion.

Depends on the scope of the project, but I'd guess yes if a more extensive project or your messing with plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.

I could probably do a 3-5% down payment for a property here but the mortgage payment would still be higher than I want to pay as the loan size would be bigger because I’d be buying a $500-600K+ house. 

If this is something you might be interested in, I'd be happy to chat more with you.

I'd research what you can about how it will be used and by whom.