Lets get private money, or hard money for the repairs.  

Is a multipartner LLC the best bet ? 

I've been able to continue making purchases only through private, off-market deals.  

We purchase houses off the MLS or at auction using a rehab loan from a private lender, get the work done (mostly outsourced, though my husband likes to do some of it himself), pay our contractors with rehab draws from the loan, then list it using on online MLS listing broker and use our attorney for the closing.

Almost anywhere in Texas right now is a safe bet in the 4 major markets. 

I am planning to rent either a private room or an entire apartment in Houston.

Meeting other investors and discovering how I can be of value to them is a great path to success for me and I bet it will be for you. 

I sent you a private message. 

First, tell you boss at your company and make sure it's okay -- it doesn't do any good to make an investor mentor if you also lose your 9-to-5.As for approaching the individual: 1) explain why you're interested; 2) say that you did get the ok from your company, and that you're doing it in a totally private not-related-to-your-company way; and 3) offer to help out with his properties like you said.A key thing to be clear about -- if you offer to do any of your professional day-job work for him on the side as a favor for him helping you out, you need to be sure that your company doesn't mind you doing it.

I’d bet he’d be able to help you!