While @Phillip Austin mentioned Raleigh is a higher returns its just very much a appreciation market, you will not find rentals that cashflow, so depending on your goals its a good or bad market.

I'm happy to answer any questions you have about analyzing markets or getting started.

Also, we're not getting anywhere near market rent for the home since its only half the home being rented, however we do feel that we're getting what similar efficiencies are getting in the neighborhood.   

And , since I had been working in an industry I really wasn’t passionate about, this was my chance to try an industry that I have had a passion for for the last 12 years or so.

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

I'm not super familiar with the real estate market in Couer d'alene like I am with East Idaho or even southern Idaho or the Treasure valley.

Goal would be to acquire 20 rentals by the age of retirement, with some already starting to be paid off.I am in the same boat as you, and I focus on safe appreciation all day (small cash flow for safety and then focused on markets on that appreciate). 

Look at their marketing strategy.

Warn them in the marketing (example: "This is an old house and noise travels between units.

I hear there's a recent case in Federal Court where an investor was found NOT GUILTY of violating anti spam laws because his text was asking to BUY a property, which isn't sales (which is what marketing is).