Check on ownership status before you get into escrow.Get multiple inspections to be able to really determine the extent of repairs.Try to align yourself with the best contractors, had good referrals, but somehow nobody stood behind their warranties.Have a good lawyer and local accounting firm.Talk to locals to see how things are done and what's happening around you.Have patience!

Depending on if you qualify for the special allowance for active RE, you may be able to take up to $25k in losses (unless you are full time in real estate and may be able to use real estate professional status). 

Once we were able to obtain those statuses it has been booked pretty solid.

@David Rodriguez  MTR is about location for health travelers and you also have a healthy  population of snowbirds in Phoenix. 

Visa and FinancingYou're correct that securing a mortgage might be challenging without legal status or a W2 job.

I used to travel for work and have amassed MILLIONS of points, 2M miler status with Delta and 1M miler status with AA.  

That is a health code violation.

They will do a Good title search that no liens or mortgage issues with the firemineral rights transfer, easements, a survey, type things need to be clear.glad you escaped the fire with your health is main thing

You would want to look at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission website.

Going to a referral only agent status for a couple of years!