They may really want quality cashflow as opposed to quantity, and that may mean maximizing a specific % return is secondary.

We wanted to paint the exterior of the house vs putting siding on, but the weather did not cooperate for a few months adding carrying time which was expensive.

So, really, you probably just saved the valuation from being negative due to those damages, as opposed to increasing any value. 

I HAVE considered STRs as well as Med-Term rentals (travelling pros) and am not opposed to them, but it's an area of real estate I know far less about. 

Absolutely this is a trend and will continue to do so, lack of housing affordability + Remote work, in fact it’s something I call, the housing 1st economy, in that people move to affordable places and the economy grows around them as opposed to the economy pushing a housing boom as has been the case since at least the 20th century.

I echo what @Jon K. said... if you're still interested after doing some additional due diligence, try starting with 1-3 as opposed to jumping into 10.

I love it because there are no zoning restrictions in Sequatchie county (as opposed to Hamilton), so I didn't have to seek approval for that.

When calculating cap, and other deal analysis criteria, none of them talks about how to assess the property in terms of its appreciation based on structural quality such as brick exterior versus vinyl.

Here is text taken from the HOUSABLE website for Oakland:Utility ConnectionsCategory One: No new or separate utility connection shall be required.Category Two: A new or separate utility connection may be required, but the connection fee or capacity charge shall be proportionate to the burden of ADU on the water or sewer system.Here are definitions of the ADU categories from the City of Oakland website:CATEGORY ONE ADU: Involves either conversion of space within an existing Single-Family Dwelling, or conversion or rebuild of an existing accessory structure; includes no expansion of the existing building envelope other than up to 150 sq. ft. for purposes of accommodating ADU access and egress only.CATEGORY TWO ADU: Involves construction of a new detached or attached structure, including an exterior addition to an existing structure to accommodate the ADU, in conjunction with a proposed or existing Single-Family dwelling.It seems that Oakland is making things confusing with the language they are using, but I still believe that my original interpretation is correct based on the State Assembly Bill. 

During this time, inspect any agreed repairs, inspect all appliances, check whether all doors and windows are secured, working properly, or to your satisfaction, belongings of the seller are completely removed, check for signs of mold, check electricity and outlets, and inspect the exterior & backyard.