Thanks...from all of your REI 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.

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.

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. 

I'd go ahead and list it.There are many past posts on how to improve your search list placement such as making frequent changes to listing and updating pictures.

It results in tenant friendly laws.  

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. 

Get a friend/relative/co-worker to rent a room from you?