Your instinct not to reply is valid, especially since you already have a strong base of positive reviews.

@Dean Tilman GOOD CALL and thank god you listened to your gut!!   

My gut tells me to ask them if you can short sell it.If you have other assets, because its a HML expect them to come after you for the delta - so foreclosure you will have a greater deficiency judgment.

Prioritize it, do thorough inspections, and trust your gut.

So regarding ‘the old’ when to buy strategy I beleive that should come from a balanced place of financial stability, wisdom, knowledge, experience, and gut instincts.

My instinct tells me yes if I can find quality properties at my price point, but that there could be some benefit to putting it all on one potentially more reliable/higher quality structure. 

I'll add, in investing you have to follow your gut and if you're already calling it "very questionable", drop it and move on.

Probably don't start with a complete gut. 

If you are doing a full gut rehab. you should have plans drawn with specifications.

My gut tells me that Texas, particularly Austin and Houston, could be where the next wave of growth and expansion occurs, mainly driven by strong business and job creation trends.Here’s what I’m looking for in my US investments:Free-standing houses with a good land component, at least 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and in well-maintained condition.Budget : Will have to keep a factor of safety for the current exchange rates of AUD.USD = 0.68 so will cap our budget at 250K- 300K.Yielding over 6%, with a slight cash flow positive outcome, while also offering medium-term capital appreciation potential.Holding for at least 5 years or more, with a view towards steady growth.The long-term goal is financial independence, reducing reliance on salary-based income, and building assets during this accumulation phase.Debt reduction is on the horizon—looking to consolidate and start winding down debt within the next 7 years.If anyone has experience investing in the Texas real estate market or any tips on navigating US property investments, feel free to share your thoughts!