That being said, its probably still worth looking at the data at those prices

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

If you don't intend to do that right away then do the 20% and save the extra cash flow.

My professional background is data science / analytics, which means analyzing cash flows will probably come more naturally than building relationships, which apparently, is how one finds deals worth making.Are there meetups in these areas I should attend (digitally at first, presumably)? 

The extra 1050 a month definitely helped with the bank.

Check out this recent rental report from Zumper ranking cities in the US with the highest rents. https://www.zumper.com/blog/rental-price-data/ Welcome to BP - do you work exclusively with investors as a broker or is it just a good portion of your clientele?  

I used all the rent and any extra money towards paying them down.

They do minimal at best verification of the data the applicant provides.

The junk removal is costing over $750 per dumpster, and they said they need 3 or 4 of them, I also have to pay extra $400+ for labor.

Firstly I apologize that I do not have any market insights data specifically, but Houston has been a rough market as valuations have pulled back.