Best of luck on your journey, the DMV in my opinion is still one of the strongest markets in the US to get started in.  

If we are losing money every year, but do plan on holding on to it long term, with our goal being appreciation of the market and someone else paying a good chunk of our mortgage, is this worth doing on any level? 

As an investor, Columbus OH is a great market for LTRs.

We are not familiar with any of these markets, nor do we have anyone trustworthy there, or a real estate agent.Our approach would be both rental and house flipping.

this is a direct relation to lack of inventory.. new construction on many markets is as robust as its ever been.. we have had spectacular years the last 3 years of course during covid was tough with supply chains but my 500k house I am now selling for 700k and my build cost have gone up by maybe 100k.. so record profits for us.. 

It took more than a decade but I am excited (and terrified) to re-enter the fray.After dipping my toes into the market, I have battled against my paralysis and taken the leap. 

I'm calculating which markets are the hottest and going after them. 

Any advice on starting out on this in the Houston or Katy market?  

Just know that it is a "no days off" kind of business and very mechanical.I would suggest documenting your process via video so that eventually you can bring people on to replace the different hats you will be wearing.Keep in mind of these 5 components of any wholesale business.lead generation, deal sourcing, underwriting, marketing, transaction coordination.

Hi BiggerPockets community,I’m new to real estate investing and currently running a remote operation to help connect investors with distressed homeowners and foreclosed properties across various markets.