Insurance is something you don't need until you need it....In my market the city requires a certain kind of policy in order to have your permit issued. 

Are they off market or on MLS? 

I’m new to REI and plan to invest locally in the Houston market.

For funding, explore options like FHA loans, personal savings, or creative financing, and focus on New Jersey markets that align with your goals, such as Newark for rentals or commuter towns for house hacking.

We are in all of those markets you mentioned and can help streamline the process for you.You can also click on my website link in my bio to schedule a call! 

To look at it from the other side, as a private money lender in my local market I need someone to find me the deals.

The newest outdoor is still advertising 1st month free as they haven't filled up, and I spoke with the climate controlled owner/builder yesterday (he's a pretty big REI in the area), and he made it sound like he hadn't leased a single climate controlled unit since they opened a few weeks ago.I recently purchased a 140x45 warehouse with low ceilings and had debated doing self storage, but my market seems very saturated.

The investors I know finding properties on the MLS are making 30+ offers a week, embarassing offers, in hopes of finding 1 or 2 properties a month.Others are door knocking, cold calling, spending money on mailers to find off market properties.  

It feels a little feminine to me, which is fine if you are going after that market segment. 

The market appreciates 3% per year.Pay cash for one house and rent it for $1,500.