I plan on living with my parents for the next 3-4 years while aggressively investing the vast majority of my post-tax income.I've always been interested in real estate and think that it could play a large role in my portfolio.

A property does not usually hit the email blast phase until it's been picked over by others in your areas, so most of the time it will not be a deal....But if you get in the habit of looking at all of them and analyzing a few per day, it's a great exercise to sharpen your skill AND get to know the area.

Perhaps you should start a new thread“Help-Exercising tax sale redemption rights in Texas”.

Might be an interesting exercise for someone here to call around and find out who is cheapest. 

The tax role says it's still in her name.

If renter fails to make the interest payment the lean holder could exercise their right to the property and take the title back.I'm sure there are other benefits or possibly disadvantages to attempting to do this.

@Brian Dickerson, federal law prevents lenders from exercising the due on sale clause if you transfer the property into a trust for estate purposes, but you must remain as the beneficiary, which means that you also still have all of the liability.

If I need to change my mindset to become a successful and wealthy investor, please do your best to help me understand the role of investor who doesn't even touch their properties and still makes a decent profit.

Also, Michael's strategy worked for me as well - starting out as an equity partner with experienced sponsors played a huge education role in my journey and allowed me to make some cash along the way. 

Like the previous posts have mentioned, the amenities play a large role in determining the rent price.