You have many options.I don't know what rental prices are in Houston, but I have very many friends and previous buyers who have paid $1,200 a month for 800sqft-900sqft units (with water being the only utility paid for).I recommend West Gate area.

And its not really the snow that causes problems its the water from the snow melting and ice from that snow melt then re-freezing that is the biggest issue. 

Also note, the metering of water/sewer/etc. costs $15,000 per unit.Thanks in advance for your thoughts.Mike

Verify water drains quickly.

Everything was going well until first tropical storm flooded with 18 inches of water.

gas, sewer, water, electric, garage?    

You might guess that our tenants had a massive failure of their water heater, which (with no experience and no contacts) I had to coordinate the $1800 replacement from a mountain cabin near Estes Park.

In my case, I include water bc it’s paid by the condo association.

All went well until we started to discover things that were not disclosed. to make a long story short, the seller and broker both knew (have proof) of converting a aerobic field into a parking lot and leaving the aerobic system in back of the property which fills up with rain water and leaves my sewage system useless. they literally abandoned the sprinkler and pump system and covered it with material. 

Many lines in the water (especially if you're searching for off market and non-MLS properties and deals) is a great idea!