I haven't been there yet, looking to make a trip out there in a few months but wondering if anyone is familiar with that area and the potential rental market out there.  

Of all my keywords, none were tripped here. : (@Sergio B., I would consider the Keys South Florida.

You can use a DSCR loan, but may get tripped up by the ADU, especially if the construction was not in a "workmanlike manner". 

just a note ,spark business by capital one has $1000 bonus (on top of other points) on 10k spent in 90 days, chase ink 80k point or $800 if apply thru branch bus banker can give you 20k bonus points making it $1000 again bonus.no DUNS needed just EIN

Walk or bus. 

I still don't understand why HU partnered with them, they kept causing trip up after trip up)Then I was told, by HU, that the house would need about $5000 in additional repairs / certifications to make the home compliant....

I would definitely advise taking a trip if this is something you want to be serious about.

I'm sure you have done your research, but make sure you have a few areas in mind to checkout before you get into town to make the best out of your trip.

Drinking may have been involved on either side or both sides. the maintenance guy does visit his mother there pretty regularly, and tends to combine these two tasks into a single trip.

Not impossible, but if you end up having to get HVAC for example from Sherman, they're going to add a nice trip charge.You could look also at Anna, Howe, Van Alystene, Sherman, Denison.