I’m with you. In Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista, Cessnas, Pipers and Maules were used to good effect.
And a tail dragger with fat tires doesn’t even need a (paved) road. A fairly flat field will do.
On short takeoff and landing, have either of you two seen a Helio? Those planes are interesting—used a lot way down south. It would also be possible to fix an old one up, for one who has enough industrial technical experience. Remember, though, that the tubing used in those is not straight steel (requires very special welding experience), and custom machining and metallurgy experience needs to be exceptional.