My simplistic observations for the Houston market, and specifically the West Houston / Katy / Cypress area (since that's where I live), are that one of the Paths of Progress is pushing West out in Katy and beyond.  

Any other observations or thoughts on solar panels as a profitable way to create positive cash flows.

We don’t want to speculate on the purpose of the ‘retail activities’ that we have observed but we think the best solution would be for you to move out and accordingly we will release you from your lease agreement and waive the notification requirement and the early termination fee.Additionally, if you leave your apartment in good condition, broom clean and completely empty, and move out before March 10, we will return your $______ security deposit (less any outstanding water bills) on your move-out date rather than making you wait the 30 days permitted by Ohio law.

In the event you decide to allow the tenant to care for the pool, you might also consider adding in a provision that triggers your ability to raise the rent and hire a pool company in the event you observe the pool being neglected. 

Great observations!

I would not dare to explain it even if you're a CPA, which you might be, based on your astute observations.

As in any investment due diligence is a necessity.Lastly, my observation after 40 years as an investor, broker, fund manager and syndicator of both real estate and of mortgage notes: Notes are the more difficult investment to get right.  

I also wondered what happened to average prices when rates rose precipitously, so I looked at cases where month-over-month rate increases were greater than 5% (this happened in only 22 of the 365 months observed).

Something I've observed in listening to the podcast and reading all the articles is how investors are getting conventional loans for their investments.

You can observe how many properties are offered and how long they stays on the market.