Maintenance is another question - what is the effective age of the property?

Most sellers would not have the ability to report to a credit bureau, so it probably wouldn't have any effect. 

I suggested writing into the Offers that each offer is contingent upon the other, or something to that effect.  

Efficiently and effectively manage my three-unit so that it generates $200 cash flow per unit per month.3.

Hey BP, This is a "One Thing" type question that I'm asking to help me focus my efforts on only the most effective actions.I do bandit signs, door knocking and cold calling....Is there anyone who has found success with a small starting budget that can share what activities they found to be the best use of their time, in terms of deal generation?

Very simple yet very effective means of redirecting the water out of the basement.

How it usually effect in real estate in Houston?

I would suggest it's a bit dangerous to say that "Good process and tools exempt me from a rule."

For rental purposed you should stick with Goodman or Ducane as they are cost effective. 

If you were truly intending to owner occupy and are in danger of losing the deal because you lost your cash down to secure traditional financing, then private financing or going back to the seller to change the contract to NOO are your only options I can see based on the info provided.