The Market was a second tier city, but had the traffic and demographics to support any Chain however some of the National Chains don't understand the nuances of a local market. 

Looking at local groups, it looks like we have one that meets very close to me in Corvallis.

I've been approached by a local real estate investor to become his "private lender" on fix and flips he does. 

If there are any local investors out there I'd love to connect! 

A home on a rented lot is harder to sell because of mortgage / borrowing restrictions (educate yourself on local lenders too).

Your local government is there to assist you on questions exactly like this one.

Get a quote from a local roofer or two on what they would charge to replace the roof and run the difference between replacement costs and insurance costs.

You think the owner should be responsible for paying to defend the management company against those allegations, not the company actually in charge of advertising, screening, and managing the tenants?

I'm not in your local market but if you are looking outside that and interested in the Midwest i'd be interested to share any insights I might have on the market. 

I've been networking locally and met a successful investor who recommended section 8 to me.