I would not pour time and energy into someone of lesser quality, particularly when you are just starting out.

We have ALWAYS been a bust/boom energy market but right now we are booming with no local backing.

There are also plans to build the 'bullet train' from Houston to Dallas and we will be very close to one of those stations.

Do you want to be dealing with this for the next X number of months, all the time, effort, energy spent (maybe legal fees). 

I started as a mechanic worked up to finance to start my departure from working for someone else so I can work for myself and enjoy my wife, kids, and grand kids.back to how to do this why you work hard.1. bullet proof pre qual2. know in advance the area your interested in.3. make offers subject to inspections.. 4. once YOUR IN contract then go with the inspector and view the home then.. with the quality of pictures these days and if your in a hot market trying to wait for you to look at it your going to lose deals like crazy.. 

I'm a newbie, soaking up info and education, and want to meet others who have the same energy and ambition.

DO NOT GO THE CHEAP ROUTE with a chuck in the truck builder or you will pay for it with your time, stress and energy. 

It has solar panels and currently producing enough energy where the electricity bill on this 5,500 sqft home is only 25/month.

Based on your experience is it worth biting the bullet and going for it?

Instead your time and energy should be focused on building solid relationships with realtors in your investing area.