Picking Houston Neighborhoods

[Elizabeth Kuriakose]

Hi friends! I am a new investor from San Francisco, looking to begin buy-and-hold investing in Houston. (I have family in Pearland.) I am seeking advice on picking the right neighborhoods. My husband and I love Houston both because of its family connection for us and its growing population and the current dip in oil and gas. One acquaintance suggested East Downtown, but we aren't convinced it is as up-and-coming as she suggested. Because Houston sprawls, it doesn't seem self-evident that there's a push for space in the center of town, unlike in other cities where I have lived. Is this right? We are probably going to be looking in the $100,000 - $150,000 range. We would ideally like to do small multi-family units but know that at this price, we will probably be looking at single family homes. Would appreciate any advice you can offer!