Hustle and drive play a significant role in this too. 

Then what’s your play? 

Think of it as free vs pay to play video games.

I played collegiate football at Montana State, where I learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and persistence—skills that I now bring to my journey in real estate.

Market your wholesale business as anyone would market a business concept and play by the Texas law and rules.

My four adult children are out of the house; so, below are goals for our 11 year old and me.Read 15 minutes per day and log it.Set limit on daily electronic use.Clean up after himself (toys, push chair in, dishes, clean bedroom, clean car).He plays sports and has a few tough baseball goals that he works with me on (inside/out swing, pitching mechanics, 3B fielding). 

So for sure it's a cashflow play, but don't expect much on the appreciation side.

Both allege they were his common-law spouse.I am imagining this playing out like a live Jerry Springer episode, with probate court as the stage and legal claims as the punches.

There’s nothing wrong with playing it safe, starting small, mastering your strategy, and then scaling up—especially when using other people’s money.That said, as others have mentioned, house hacking is a fantastic strategy.

Strong property management and careful tenant placement also play a critical role in success here, so I recommend partnering with a turnkey company or an agent who specializes in these areas to make the process smoother.As for rental demand, homes that sit for extended periods are often the result of issues like pricing, condition, or tenant quality—not necessarily a reflection of the market as a whole.