A personal home is a life style choice not a investment.Due to the fact that a personal home is more expensive to own and maintain renting while saving to invest is a smarter option for those wishing to concentrate on investing.

Partnering can be risky and I highly recommend not doing that on a long term hold(or even cycle hold for that matter) with limited experience.

You're pretty much limited to what's on the exchange.

Since you are new to REI, the obvious start is with education but I would suggest making some 5 year, 1 year, 6/3/1 month goals with the end in mind (retirement and lifestyle).

I want to have one lined up early enough in the process, but not so early that I get texts / emails every week to check out homes when I'm not ready just yet. 6) What kind of programs or options for assistance as a first time homebuyer in TX are available and should I be starting them now (well in advance of any time limit deadlines that could crop up if I wait)? 

Bedrooms shall comply with the applicable provisions of this code including, but not limited to, the light, ventilation, room area, ceiling height and room width requirements of this chapter; the plumbing facilities and water-heating facilities requirements of Chapter 5; the heating facilities and electrical receptacle requirements of Chapter 6; and the smoke detector and emergency escape requirements of Chapter 7.702.4 Emergency escape openings.

Fortunately, but for the "my mom" case, I have head all off.I must give them too much credit in assuming that if you have an animal, your selection will be limited, just like a smoker.

We live in an area with limited inventory right now.

@Alex Alleva - the limits on that deduction are for homeowners, not investors.

Outside the commercial core, there is a limit on the number of permits (1400) and they are all taken, with a waiting list.