.- Analyze Comparable Properties: If you’re working in a specific market, reach out to other landlords or property managers with similar assets.

Over the years the only place I have lost money is the stock market.

Quote from @Blake Steagall: Hello @Jaycee Greene, I do not own any real estate in that market yet but am interested.  

This setup ensures every project stays on schedule and within budget, which is huge in a market where timing is everything.3.

I'm happy to share my experience with this market if you'd like to message me to set-up a call. 

I'd recommend speaking with local specialists in your target market to look at multiple investment options side-to-side.Lastly, some of my clients have been encouraged to stay away from HELOCs unless they expect a lump sum (inheritance, sale of other asset, bonus, etc.) to pay off the HELOC in the next year or 2. 

Any tips for navigating the competition in such a hot market?

Any advice on starting out on this in the Houston or Katy market?  

A great place to start is https://www.biggerpockets.com/meet which you can use to find like-minded people in your area and every other market across the nation that you may consider.You'll find some helpful tips at https://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere.For tips on how to get the most out of BiggerPockets, check out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/biggerpockets-com-tutorial/The BiggerPockets Keyword Alert System is an awesome tool: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2012/12/1...See you on future threads!

@Abigail Kingprimarily off market although, i've started to engage on on-market deals if i think they will fitvery difficult to find