Use your skills to network with local investors and professionals by attending meetups in the Conroe and Houston area, joining online forums, and connecting with property managers or realtors.

Each market, each submarket and each mall will dictate the use of this space.I don't think online shopping, per se, is killing malls.  

Have these guys ever heard of Quicken or any of the online personal finance programs available to track spending?

You don't need to buy a car dealership, it can be a side hustle or an online business.If you try to get more rent than fair market, you will rent to desperate tenants, who got rejected everywhere else.

Throughout this entire time, I waited tables and bartended at night to pay rent.

Do you use a “book” for information or an online service ?

We use DealCheck to underwrite deals and QuickBooks Online for everything related to accounting and budgeting.

I can become a millionaire just by looking at street and sat view and bid online in my underwear. 

What are they charging per night? 

They will have additional costs for mailing & online campaigns to get leads.