Quote from @Jeff Sanders: Personally coming from an agent/investor in CA, I always get a quote from a broker of mine and make sure I am knowledgeable with the fees/costs.

Quote from @Brad Kremer: Hi everyone,I own a cash-flowing duplex in Austin, TX, that I bought 8 years ago when rates were considerably lower than they are today.

I would like a payoff planner that helps me navigate the various maturity dates and interest rates of my (15 due in 5) mortgages so that I gain the best financial advantage when paying down principal balances. 

Houston's diverse, and the real estate market is buzzing.Check your budget, how much risk you can handle, and what you want from the investment.Montrose, The Heights, Eado, and Museum District are buzzin' with mid-term rental potential.Research the neighborhoods, check the rates, and do the math on costs before diving in.

With a fideicomiso, the gross income is taxed through a withholding tax whereas, with the corporation, the rate, you can deduct expenses but the taxation rate is higher.

They offer an all in one policy, and also had a great rate compared to the others.

Also, I would look at rental rates to property values to determine if any areas are around the 1% rule.

How much below market value would a sale have to be for it to trigger a gift tax and if so what is the rate on that? 

Look to ask the seller about financing back whatever they want for their equity but make sure the mortgage rate and payment are at a place where you will be able to cash flow effectively.

I've seen many investors get burned because they failed to understand their hard money loan terms/rates, even if they did acquire what should have been a home run deal.