I let the booking expire and figured it was a troll.I then get another request from the same person about a month later for the same dates.

Keep in mind that DSCR loans are how most investors have scaled. whether its residential DSCR or commercial DSCR at 5+ units. personally, i like them better. few reasons why:1. seasoning period is only like 10-30 days vs 60days going conventional2. seller max contributions DSCR is 3-6% where conventional its only 2% max3.

Well, three top reasons come to mind:It will allow you to deduct their earnings on your own tax return.It is required by law for any person to whom you paid at least $600 in 2023, total.

I've personally utilized private notes on three transactions and participated in another handful of negotiations with sellers on behalf of buyers in the past five years. 

Do you own these properties in your personal name or through an LLC?

Not sure if they have upgraded to desktop appraisals but if they are still doing in person appraisals , make sure you get everything (scope of work, good faith deposit, social, LLC docs, insurance, proof of prior experience, financial statements) in ASAP.

Congratulations on the duplex -My investor clients have acquired several multi-family investment properties locally in the market I operate in Northwest Indiana - Figure out your personal investment objective for the next 4 years and align yourself with the next property that make sense in this current market environment-

Any recommendations on Houston REI groups that meet in person or virtually?

Apparently, the person I am under contract with was managing the estate of the actual owner who recently died.  

Great for personal residence but not for scaling.