I recently had a conversation with a Russian-speaking realtor from Ohio and wanted to share some insights:Competition among investors is very strong.

A full box of 250 dryer sheets, a big Tide liquid and fabric softener (liquid).

OKC has alot of opportunity mainly because of its low level of enforcement of housing codes, strong landlord laws and conservative judges in eviction court.

Any recommendations for starting strong would be appreciated. 

If that’s the case, I’d recommend considering areas outside of Dallas proper where you can still find properties with strong growth potential.Cities like Prosper, Melissa, Princeton, and Anna are excellent options to explore.

Fishtown and Point Breeze are strong options but can be pricey.

My advice: don’t overthink it—your first house hack is about learning, so pick a strong rental market, ensure solid demand, and lock in a deal that gets you close to break-even or better.

I agree that some of these smaller towns have great buys and strong rents. 

Planned energy-efficient HVAC installations will replace outdated ceramic heaters, reducing tenant utility costs, lowering insurance premiums, and qualifying for utility reimbursement programs—a win-win for tenants and investors alike.Inflation HedgeReal estate is historically a strong hedge against inflation.

@Mitch ProvostFrom my experience of working with over 400 investors, your property near Texas A&M in College Station/Bryan has strong investment potential due to the consistent demand for student housing driven by steady enrollment growth.