Most major metro areas have pockets that are surprisingly affordable, and you might just need to network a bit more and meet some local folks who can guide you. 

If they are in the major and popular market it naturally leads me to question the underlying assumptions.

I'm looking at some nice areas in Tennessee that are a couple hours from major cities, but may be near scenic and/or natural attractions, and slightly "larger" smaller towns, like the county seat.

I don't see any local level risk that is going to impact Kansas City negatively in a major way.

The downside is you lose the experience of someone else with more or different experience than you, my guys have helped me avoid a lot of major issues through the years that I would have missed. 

@Garrett Pearson I am not in commercial department so don't know the guidelines.

So, if you spot something, you can submit that to their corporate real estate department.

I don't know where your particular property is in Kansas, but small towns are fine IF one of these things is happening:1)  You're close enough to a major city where they're pulling your values up with them. 

Why take on a major headache and liability when it’s the sellers responsibility?

Facebook marketing to this demographic could produce returns, but it isn't too effective because the majority of those home owners are not on Facebook actively.