Hi Bigger Pockets,I am a brand new, want to be real estate investor, looking to score my first deal in the Houston, TX area by the end of Summer 2019. 

The total amount of damage is close to $18k, which far exceeds their security deposit.We sent an Invoice and broke down all the damages by line item and even gave them receipts for what we had and also estimates for the major items like damages to carpet (brand new and installed just prior to their tenancy) and major gouges and deep scratches in all major rooms (we have pictures of everything). 

This can leave you to exposed and if you get a "buyer" who doesn't close you damage your brand with the seller.

To set the stage, here are a few key points:Property:2 story townhouse2 bed / 2.5 bathMostly carpet18 month old (yep, its brand new)Situation:Nobody was hurt to my understandingTenant did not have rental insurance even though it was required in the lease per my property managerTenant admitted, in writing, they caused the fire.Kitchen fire that burned the kitchen completely and I have smoke damage throughout. 

I’ve personally noticed quite a few mobile home parks in my local area and many of them are directly adjacent to (or behind) brand new housing developments.Literally people are building $350-400K homes and their view from the backyard over the fence is a mobile home park.I have been wondering how the park is affecting that new home value (and how it will also affect it in the long run) and vice versa, how will the new development and city/county regulations affect how that mobile home park will do in the future.

So although initially this may seem like a set back, if you do it right, you'll end up with a brand new kitchen redone up to code, get your lost rent paid back from the insurance.  

They are building a second campus in Bryan and adding 25K students with a brand new community college.

I think building my personal brand would be nice, but don't want people to constantly ask for Austin to fix all their problems.

The experienced investors to be blunt...don't need a brand new person getting involved in real estate to try to "help" the experienced investor.  

Go with a good brand, that someone can recommend to you.