One issue i see with doing it the way you're thinking is that in our market in Miami the gamble is much more risky, with the crazy high rents in those areas you mentioned so you have to make sure that area can be constantly rented out, otherwise you're gonna have to bite that monthly lease payment.

I have to admit that I started second-guessing my gamble of buying 1/2 a house for $130k and having a "partner" on the other half who didn't know that the house was on these two lots.

I'm thrilled to hear every position on this setup.

,My Answer would be -  In today's market if i want to buy #1 Reason would be Low Interest rates (knowing exactly when to buy can be a bit of gamble.

@Jesse Wixson,Purely my opinion...Investing for appreciation is speculation (read: gambling). ...and equity doesn't pay the bills. 

I certainly seek like minded people who are looking to partner and invest in the Houston market, I'd be thrilled to connect with you.

I'm new to Bigger Pockets and new to Real Estate investing, haven't bought any property yet since I'm still in the learning process...ANYWAY..I'm curious about getting my real estate license for the access to MLS and not having to schedule visits with agents to be able to see a house, BUT I'm not thrilled about having to work for a broker..is that something I have to do to be licensed?

@Pat Brown,Investing for appreciation is known as speculation (read: gambling).

In addition, you want the deal to be advantageous to you and allow you to generate a profit - not pay out all your profits in fees and interest rates.If your lenders are thrilled with a lower rate and no points, why not structure the deal with those terms?

I am thrilled to connect with you all and soak up all the knowledge available here on BP.