I stopped reading after reading your subject line...know this:The #1 reason why landlords fail is due to their failure to manage to the lease (Source: American Apartment Owners' Assn). 

Is it in-line with other builders? 

DIY A first-time DIYer can expect to spend several hours replacing a kitchen faucet.The time it takes depends on your experience and the faucet's complexity.You'll need tools like wrenches, a putty knife, and a small bucket.You'll also need materials like supply lines, silicone caulk, and plumbers tape.You may be tempted to be cheap and estimate only 30 minutes, but you should estimate an hour to be safe.What about the time to go to the property to figure out if a 2-hole or 3-hole faucet is needed, then drive to Home Depot to get it, drive back to install and then head either to the next job or back to the office?

With no movement towards finish line for years.

It felt like everyone I found were self-serving, looking to line their own pockets, or not willing guide because of fear of competition.

Bottom line: the tenant doesn't get to decide how to pay you.

Did you find any additional help or learning concerning over-the-counter tax line investing for Texas?

We are just so far in now I am trying to get this across the finish line...

I’m not a betting man.

Research ways to use your education to help you qualify for a loan (did you know that some lenders allow college credits that translate directly to the line of work the graduate pursues to count towards work experience, accelerating the borrower's opportunity to get approved for a mortgage?).