Real Referrals attempts to automate this process and monitor the transactions between the agents.    

I started monitoring my scores closely to try and bring them up.

He probably has the infrastructure to be able to support your investing there if that has become your target area.10% is pretty standard for a property management fee, and they should handle a lot of the time consuming tenant interactions.

I don't do rent credits, keep houses at market rent, down payments are reasonable, 12 month terms with possible renewal, I monitor credit repair, and really want my tenant-buyers to succeed. 

The thing I like about investing in your own backyard is that you can closely monitor the market, network with local investors, and give back to your community.

But, for me, it's about the economy and who is paying for the infrastructure in Texas.

Age is always a consideration and I would caution you more about the infrastructure than the cosmetics.

The road infrastructure in the eastern county foothills is terrible; a maze of deadends with few main roads, and the county has no plans to ease access with new through-roads.

Monetary transactions must be controlled through the use of receipts and regular monitoring.

Buyers would choose from 4 different models and they would have to pay for the foundation and infrastructure on that small lot (driveway, utilities to home, yard, ect.).