Even if your rate is in the 3's or 4's you can still get a rate in the 5's right now for a primary home and take out up to 85% LTV. 

Here we are 8 years later and the only home I own is my primary residence.

I would nonetheless be the contact person and primary decision maker with property management and my brother would be largely silent as per his preference.

This city is just starting to expand with lot more newer builds coming soon and also closer to my primary home .

I am getting conflicting offer of home owner insurance by one broker and State Farm agent telling me home owner insurance is for primary residence, not for rental property. 

Couple things I wish someone told me when I rented out my primary in Katy:- your taxes will go up dramatically over time - cash flow is inconsistent- while Katy is a fantastic rental market it's still competitiveTo answer your questions: - yes, the homestead exemption will increase your taxes at a faster rate but you can protest them either yourself (I don't recommend as I've tried and it was a pain) or with a professional service- To start, you're either going to pay for books, classes, etc. or pay the school of hard knocks.

This would be our primary residence.

Well he didn't provide and explanation or answer my questions and instead he let me know that they are not currently taking on new clients! 

Another lost his primary residence plus his vacation rental and will be staying with me for the next month while he sorts out his home.

I was a bit confused myself and thank you for the explanation.