Thanks...from all of your REI friends.

People will rent homes in that area because they cannot yet afford to buy, but hope to buy a newer home in the future and keep the kids in the same school system and around their same friends.

If you’re open to short term rentals, there are lots of places across the state that can really work.I’m a local investor-friendly realtor and work with both long-term and short-term rental clients.

The price points are still affordable - around $120k-$180k, plus the laws are super landlord-friendly. 

A friend of mine bought a new home and upon moving in, there was a massive crack in the home. 

I like how some people have said change the word “mentor” with “friend”.

There are opinions on these forums and people have a right to them and people may take it as criticism. real estate is not a business where everyone is friendly and just as you have shown from whoever was trying to scam you and has nothing to do with doing your best, its about being educated before moving forward. 

Even if it takes you a year to pull down your first deal, you are killing it my friend!

Some people seem to get locked in to one place they find, or a place a friend or family member is selling without really evaluating the available market.In a small town in East Texas I would think your biggest risk is a big player coming to town that can absolutely crush a smaller player. 

The people are super friendly and enjoyable.