As far as performing our due diligence can we perform criminal checks or should we keep as far as credit checks ?

Freddie/Fannie issues come up as well, primarily when PMI is involved, so you need to stay up to date on PMI guidelines if doing short term flips, many of them have NO WAY in 90 days rule, and 90-180 days a 2 Appraisal rule, and it doesnt stop at the PMI company, some Lenders have their own internal set of guidelines on this, so one bank may be able to do it and another cant using the same secondary financing, the funny part is most loan officers have no clue what you are talking about when you try to cove this on the front end.

I am a Criminal Defense Attorney by trade to I try plan out as much as I can because I hate to be cause off guard.

You can now get referral fees not only domestically but internationally now.

In the judicial section you can do a criminal conviction and also pending case look-up.

Also depending on your finishes you may end up with renters that have a criminal history.

Since you already have your RE License,  you could try and specialize in some Commercial Properties, which in tern could give you an in on some good opportunities. 

While I've found many references to looking for 'x' number of years of rental history in other posts, I can't find anything that directly answers this nuanced question:We have a couple that meets our income, criminal (lack thereof), number of occupants, pet policy, etc.  

If you have, then you qualify for the 121 Exclusion (Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code). 

Here are some things about Houston People do not know about.Last year+23,600 jobs (.088%) Growth in Jobs not loss2nd largest exporting port in the world, for every ship that comes in 2 go out2 international airports in Houston2 of the largest airlines in the world Hub'ed out of Houston (Southwest and United Airlines)Largest medical facility in the world (If it was its own city it would be the 16th largest city in the country)Fastest growing population in the countryTexas is the 10th most business tax friendly state in the country and if it were to not charge a franchise tax it would be #1.205,000 Non-Owner occupied homes in Houston1 out of every 4 people in Houston rentsIn a down economy the rental market goes crazy because when these people lose their jobs they become renters which drives up the rent pricesHope this helps clarify the Houston market