He's asking for help just like most of us did at one point.

Southern border of the land is Wilson Creek (a large, well established, full time creek with old growth trees)Approx 1 acre of non-recoverable flood zone along length of creekTwo small ponds on the property, which can be filled in to utilizeSmall neighborhood to East of property line with utilities ready and available for project Currently a couple of older homes and barn structures on property (100% liveable and well maintained)Wilmeth Rd is currently expanding down the block to a 4 lane road which connects to Highway 75 in McKinneyLarge developments are underway within a 1/2 mile to 3 miles out radius<4 miles to Costco, ChickFilA, WholeFoods, Cinemark, major hospitalAT&T Fiber and Atmos Gas at front of propertyA water well can be run, if desired, or tap into the city's water (currently on city water and has large main at front of property)A CE firm has drawn up plans for a small, 12 home, 3/4 acres development.

I am covering utilities for the 1st floor and garden unit (for a 3-unit MFH rental)Any recommendations for a programmable thermostat where I can lock appropriate temperature ranges?

no I have not purchased the home yet -but I’m educated and working with a realtor who understands the process.1st- you have to be a recipient of a section 8 housing choice voucher /in the program and in good standing2nd you need to be in the rental unit and in the program for a year minimum3rd you must to be in a “participating housing authority” or PHA  because not all Housing Authority’s participate in this rent voucher -to -home mortgage voucher program4th it may ( or may not) require recipient  enrolling in an additional sub program called families for Self Sufficiency ( FSS) which has a class that teaches voucher holders how to use the voucher for a mortgage payment5th I’m working with a realtor who understands the process - has used it for dozens if not hundreds of clients. it’s going to be VERY hard for anyone unfamiliar with government processes  to get through it successfully. note I’m also utilizing  first time savings plans IDA‘s and local first time homebuyer grants and a USDA 502 direct low income Rural loan. and my own funds.All aid mentioned can be “stacked” to lower mortgage & create long term affordability.  

Property would have to have a ton of equity for someone to consider that deal

There is a ton of section 8 tenants that need housing.

auctions will be a difficult way to acquire properties as a brand new investor.Yes, I've got ~10 property managers and ~10 agents (looking at on-market deals as well) I'm speaking / spoken with drummed up through Google / Biggerpockets in each location.

Your utilities will be more than that.

I fully intend to continue utilizing their services in the future.

There is also alot of tourism tactics being utilized by Oklahoma (we will see if they work actually) to really try to drive the markets around.