Lots of factors, but deciding factor was what what Torren described (waterfall highly favorable to GP).

A lot depends on your entry price and instant equity. 

Are you looking to tap into your equity via a HELOC or Refi? 

That's why you see so much trapped equity in properties owners cannot access. 

I have family in Houston, Dallas, and the Valley, I was networking with brokers in San Antonio, but the Taxes seem to be quite high as well in that State, although much favorable laws/regs on the landlord side.

How to Structure the Deal to Protect Your $20KIf you’re willing to cover the $20K arrears, here’s how to protect yourself:Option 1: Secure Your Funds with a Lien or Escrow AgreementUse an escrow account: Deposit the $20K into escrow with clear terms—if the assumption is denied, the funds return to you.Record a promissory note & lien: If the deal falls through, this would give you a legal claim against the property to recover your funds.Option 2: Sub-To + Wrap While You AssumeSubject-to deal: Take over the existing loan payments before assumption approval, securing control.Escrowed deed transfer: The seller signs the deed into escrow only to be recorded after assumption approval, ensuring they can’t back out.Lease option fallback: If the assumption is denied, consider a lease option agreement until another solution is found.Option 3: Negotiate a Seller Financing HybridAsk the seller to carry a small second note for the $60K equity gap at favorable terms.Use your $20K as a down payment, structured as a secured loan against the property.3.

I make around $110k+ per year, live off around $75K, have a mortgage ($1900/mo for rent, escrow, tax), around $40K in equity, and no other debt. 

I only buy if I can have equity right from the start.

Negotiating favorable terms is both an art and a science, and in real estate, it's a critical skill that can make or break a deal.

I purchase my personal investments to maximize their equity and hold long term.