Hello Jerry,I am not too familiar with unlicensed assistants…could you elaborate a bit more for me on what this entails (i.e. how do you go about becoming an unlicensed assistant, your roles and responsibilities, etc.)?

.- Plans for the foreseeable rehab, what do those plans entail?

I think before you start bashing someones livelihood and career that they work hard at everyday of the week, you might want to learn a little more about what exactly the position entails.  

Beyond the usual public zoning hearing meeting where neighbors get to object to any change in the proposed property use and the board follows their desires normally, it also entailed actually purchasing a nearby lot and putting a parking easement on it so as to provide the parking imposed by the condemnation process.  

I think what you will find is that we provide extensive information about the market as a whole, the specific neighborhood demographics, scope of work entailing what was rehabbed on each property in addition to having your own 3rd party inspection & appraisal required by the lender. 

If you are unable to find a property in ATX or in FL that will cash flow like you want it to once converted to a rental, that's when I'd consider investing in other markets, which would entail at least 15% down on a 1-unit property. 

My main concern is that I must reply to the civil summons within 21 days of being served and I want to make sure that can happen ...though I don't really know what that entails and I think it requires me to rely on the title insurance company to prep the lawyer in time for my response.  

As soon as it's realized how much work it truly entails, and how much of a numbers game it truly is, and how thick your skin needs to be, the "students" bail.

I do kind of agree that some people are going into it flighty and not fully understanding what a real estate investment will entail.

Its possible you can reach out to these people and get a conversation going with them on a personal level about what the coursework entails, etc.