You can ask at your county to see if they or anyone else around teaches the basics.I've been to several of the free pitches of the national touring acts...and most gave enough wrong info that it wouldn't make sense for most people to take the class or pay additional money over the free pitch to get started.   

Matt Cawley from National Mulitfamily.

As a result, the state’s big utilities and other groups are proposing fixed charges between $30 to $70 per month, three to seven times the national average.

National and local economic factors can definitely impact real estate. 

Population growth, strong job growth, multisector industry/economy (Never invest in an area propped up by a single industry, or worse, a single company), landlord and business friendly, strong development, strong sports teams (even minor and farm teams), lower crime rates than national average, and good schools/colleges nearby.

Matt Cawley from National Mulitfamily.

But many title companies will have a relationship with a national QI firm like us. 

After contacting them at their info email address I was told the reason they didn't have a mortgage lender's license was because they're a national lender!

I suspect that changes over time will take away a lot of STR benefits nationally but your area may be great.Another situation I would run is what the numbers look like as a long-term and medium-term rental and then what you would make if you had to sell it.

Very insightful post and obviously the results of extensive research.Just two points I (somewhat) disagree with.1- yes, Texas does have the “best” foreclosure laws for lenders in the nation.