Firstly I apologize that I do not have any market insights data specifically, but Houston has been a rough market as valuations have pulled back.

The partners between a realtor like myself (proficient in renovation experience), a general contractor, usually a loan consultant to support the buyer and the lender, (along with a buyer and seller of course) are the parties involved.I come across so many homes perfect for 203k or HomeStyle buyers, on and off-market, it isn't funny.

Unless you spend money trying to find off market deals..

Personally, I invest in properties in C-Class neighborhoods in my market (East Linden and Southern Hilltop), and they’ve been cash-flowing well so far.

There's a reason that people try to buy properties off-market and that is because you can find sellers who care more about terms than maximizing returns.So start with a conversation: you already presumably have some rapport since it's your landlord and you've spoken before.

Don’t forget. 2024 rent cap was 8.9% so you may never get “market rent”.

That being said, and this is not for a sourcing homes for sale, but to source accredited investors in my line of work, the average marketing agency is looking at about $30-50/accredited investor lead setting up a call. 

Here’s our OPINION for the Metro Detroit market (use as a template for your target area!)

With a HELOC being around 9% I'd probably be paying more in interest than the money would make in the stock market.

Find someone who's doing what it is you want to do in the market you want to do it in and bring them value to learn.