Any advice on starting out on this in the Houston or Katy market?  

It's an asset that will continue to grow as more and more people and institutions begin to adopt it as a safer hedge against inflation than precious metals. 

If the numbers don't seem to make sense, consider a cheaper (but still growing market) or just keep saving until you can do out-of-state investing. 

Decide then what to do BUT go 100% in on the stocks and grow that during it.

It is a great market.

So, I guess I will hope social security pays something in 20 years and the stock market is still there when I grow old.BTW, I am an experienced investor, I know I can dump everything in the stock market but I am hesitant to do that.

Question: assuming an ideal brrrr that has all investment extracted at the refinance, why would you choose a low cost market over a high cost market?

Given your husband's expertise in marketing, you probably have the skills to grow a business. 

In my area, I see a big need for a " military friendly" resource in the real estate market. 

I've been wanting to expand out of my market in Iowa, and see that the Winter Haven, Lakeland, Haines City areas are similar to purchase points as my market.