I would also say that cash flow wise, I would want to stay below 200K and probably closer to 100K-150K where the majority of the rental demand is in DFW. 

Is it better to stay with one strategy or should you always diversify your approach?

Look, I want my renters to enjoy a warm pool in the winter months and stay cool in the summer, but these utility bills are eating away at our income....Anyone have any ideas about managing this issue more effectively?

I am afraid that I will buy it and stay vacant because is so big (It will rent at about $30,000 per year and renter is responsible of NNN,or at least is what the realtor estimated).

Do yourself a favor and stay in that job for a while, it will make it easier for you to qualify for loans.

After understanding my position a little better, does your recommendation stay the same?

Exactly, the county site likely shows the exemption amount, just calculate it out.....Assuming the total Value stays the same.

@Justin SumulongFirst, let me second what @Dmitriy Fomichenko (whose company is worth considering, by the way) said: stay away from banks and Wall Street institutions like Fidelity, TDAmeritrade and the like.

Plus the area the pipe is in would have to get below freezing & stay there long enough to freeze the pipes.

It would be great to stay in touch and perhaps there will be an opportunity to work on some deals together.