However, I think it makes more sense in my position to find something suitable in Dallas to minimize living expenses before looking elsewhere. 

If plenty of suitable land is available for a repair/replacement/expansion system, this may not be too big a deal ($1k-$3k), but if not (and sanitary sewer is not available) - a repair solution could run $5-$20k for a pumped or on-site treatment system.

It's my opinion that land contracts are more suitable for the sale of business and income property.

That person paid upfront (albeit using student loans), and Harvard did not line up that job, and Harvard could not guarantee that there would be a suitable job upon completion; seems similar to the points in this excerpt of your post.

Marie it will depress you what people want for free and will consider a short thanks for ample and suitable payment.