I'm thankful he left when we told him to, the worst thing I think (besides not mowing the lawn for the 5 months he was there, and leaving piles of garbage) would be this: a huge industrial sized eye bolt used as the center support for the drapes, not sure if he was hanging iron curtains or what.

That way it will be easier to be hard-nosed and evict someone if you have to.There are tons of international students at U of H, and there are also tons of international (mostly Chinese) researchers who work at the Texas Medical Center.

Hey Kim,I already am going through the pre-approval stage.

The house was constructed in a way that the plumber and electrician were on site when the blocks where being laid and all the pipes and wires ran through the center of the blocks.

We have stained regular concrete and done river rock finishes which take about a week longer to dry at the foundation stage but make a unique look for the floors.Is there anything different done other than typical pour that is required?

In Texas, if you buy a retail strip center, it will most likely have a NNN lease, which would put the tax burden on the tenants. 

Bad times are actually good times.I'd say regardless of economic indicators or the national stage, knowing the local market conditions is key to investing, if the deal will fly, you should buy!

Here are my basis points currently:1) I really trust these guys, and they all have pertinent experience with construction, remodeling and HVAC.2) We are all in the same stage of life... mid 20's, currently renting, new family's, and most importantly low personal capitol.Here is what I'm weighing:1) Is it more helpful or more harmful to have cost/profit sharing?

This deal is sitting front and center on the lender's desk.

We believe that our business is well-run: we have an in-house call center to generate greater sales, have have good revenue management policies for raising rents, we sell insurance, have a great website and access to sales leads, our managers are professional and well trained, and our facilities are clean.We are now seeking opportunities to expand.