Property taxes remain high in the lone star state but rising rents will tilt those with a long time horizon towards home ownership.

Each step you take reveals a new horizon.

Instead, you pitch them on a pretty safe and predictable XX% return (less than what equity investors expect, obviously) with defined time horizon.

Depending on your anticipated ownership horizon, it might make sense to put less down, and buy the rate down. 

Do we have a shopping spree on the horizon? 

That would put you into a house for about $1,00/month, find 2 roommates for $550/month and you end up living for free.You could go with a duplex if you could qualify for something more expensive.IF your time horizon is longer than a couple of years, I think buying in Dallas is fine, and you will do well especially having locked in near historically low rates.  

Hopefully this inspires you to do it over and over again :)Quick question: what was the time horizon on this?

There are opportunities to both invest in a long time horizon and do a lot of good. 

We are closing on our first SFR next week and are looking for more.I think as long as you can cover your holding costs comfortably and have a long enough horizon, then appreciation isn't any riskier than cash flow. 

With your first rental on the horizon, ensuring that you get a good tenant will make your life so much easier.