It's going to be more about your confidence in the market that you can afford than anything else, so the primary thing is to look up a few areas you might be able to afford and then look for someone local that can hop on a call to give you an idea about what investing there is like. 

Quote from @Travis Timmons: It's a great idea if you can swing it.

I definitely like your ideas of focusing on location and trying to get my downpayment closer to 10% rather than 3.5%. 

You can take a deep look at the deals and get an idea of the kind of variety you'll see and come up with your own due diligence method (that meets your unique situation).

If you don't have a crazy house like a potato, a tremendous view or historical area, then choosing a pic is harder.I like the idea of the game room if that is your best feature.

I'll echo what Zeke mentioned about interviewing multiple realtors / PM's / Contractors to make sure you can get a good idea of what the area is like, in addition to working with someone you're comfortable with. 

I have a lot of ideas on how to buy real estate with no money (Novation, Subject To, owner financed), to partner with someone who has money, and/or to buy for yourself with money. 

I suppose I could combine the two ideas and live in a basement while renting out a 2 bedroom home to a traveling agency. 

The softwares that Houston Housing Athority and Harris County Athority are enough to get a good idea on what you'll be making and how your house compare with the others.

Is this a good idea?