My dad is looking to flip some houses in the area with his friend that has deep pockets but that is a few months on money in money out versus a long term marriage with a money partner.

Hey @Ashley Bearden welcome to Bigger Pockets and congratulations on your recent marriage!

They are pointing to efforts by Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton to limit or reverse the Supreme Court rulings on gay marriage as evidence that Texas is not a good cultural fit.I am now thinking Atlanta or Denver.

This phenomenon occurs in other contexts too; for instance, a person who's happily married will be happy for their best friend's happy marriage...but, a person who's unhappily single (or unhappily married) might resent their friend's happy marriage.

Honestly, I like to say my marriage is my #1 investment (15 years this month!)  

My first marriage ended in large part because of that. 

For 36 yrs of marriage, particularly when we were young and had a 12.25% APR mortgage and later an 8% mortgage, we were sold on the idea of paying off the primary residence quickly (8-12% interest was safer than trying for the same in mutual funds, and came with the "security" of trying to own the house without a mortgage.....along with the Biblical principal of debt-free living).

On holding a marriage together?

I have delayed marriage and having a family because there is no way I could work hours like this with kids.

I don't see how that is possible outside a relationship with Christ, personally, because some on this board, or in real estate, will endlessly acquire more and more properties, at the expense of their marriages, families, and their own health.