I am curious if I am understanding the only way a tenant in Texas has a right to withhold rent is if there is an amicable agreement between tenant and landlord or if the landlord fails to remedy a problem with the house that impacts the the safety and health of the tenants.I am trying to keep things simple and not complicated on this question. :)

If you combine them into a commercial property, the lending rules change and financing becomes more complicated and more expensive.3) the economies of scale are the same for 3 duplexes or a 6-unit parcel.4) insurance is likely less expensive on 3 duplexes5) a valuation based on NOI may or may not be greater than 3 residential buildings.

I was just wondering if there was some complicated mathematical formula I should be using to figure out my ROI.

(More complicated with the partnership.)You're hoping to not "make the same mistake" - but there was no mistake.The only mistake could be filing a separate partnership return, something to look into.If, on the other hand, your CPA does not give you what you need - like explanations and tax planning, for example - then it may be worth looking elsewhere.

Hi James,If you decide not to go the new construction route then the deal becomes a lot more complicated then just signing people in at the builder's sales office.  

That is really a complicated question.

It’s just complicated due to what I stated above.

I have stopped by a local bank in my hometown to inquire about a construction loan and it's SUPER complicated or maybe it was that specific bank making it complicated. 

Maybe 125 even.I am pondering if there might be a good opportunity get into this house with some creative but not complicated financing where I DON'T have to put 20% down and be advantageous to both myself and him.On the surface, I figure he prob owes about 98K on the house. 

Now, its also possible to use an IRA to invest in real estate, so you can have your cake and eat it too, BUT it makes investing more complicated. if you want to try that route, you better do some research first.