So far the top two options I have come across or have seen on neighboring properties are stucco or siding (vinyl or fiber/cement).

But a situation happened just recently to cement this.I'm dealing with a headache of an inherited tenant who I'm probably going to evict.

I rehabbed one many years ago and left the original asbestos siding in place but did replace the cracked and broken tiles with the newer cement fiber shingles. 

Yes seal up cracks and holes with cement if possible.

One property I was shown had obvious structural damage on the porch (the cement was buckled in and up).

Stucco over cinder block, cement tile roof, high impact windows, roof rafters tied down with straps, doors open outward and much more. 

Had I not stopped by, the wrong tile would have been cemented to the floor.

I was able to identify the problem areas and knew a few cement pads and wedges would take care of the issue.

Their Insurance company paid off their house and my parents had the house professionally fixed by having cement poured under the house and some kind of backs put in each corner.  

Smart Siding or cement siding instead of basic hardboard, Cheap Vinyl windows or a higher grade window, if you're building in Texas - Class IV shingle or a cheap 3 tab that will need replacement the first golf ball sized hail storm that rolls through, thoughtfulness that went into rain runoff/drainage etc then use your judgement.Are the interior doors cheap hollow core synthetic materials with an engineered wood frame or did they use solid wood frames and MDF for the trim or did they use a quality hardwood less prone to damage like Oak/Ash etc.I'm probably going into too much detail, however I pay attention to small things like that as in this new construction build I want to idiot proof as much as I can.