@Jonathan W Ford Getting a real estate licence is a good way to gain some knowledge on real estate but it in no way prepares you to be a real estate investor.

If I'm a Ford guy and my tenant bought a Chevy that he parks in the driveway, I should have to freedom not to renew his lease. 

Henry Ford was on to something when he said you could have any color you wanted as long as it was black.I love it when my landlord says the rent is due on the first of the month and late fees kick in on the fifth of the month (no exceptions for weekends or holidays).

With Ford putting so much money into the city it makes it an attractive place for investors/first time home buyers.

I live close to the Eagle Ford shale, so I can see your market.Do you think that you might look into long distance markets to pad your retirement plan or stay with market you know.

And they can take it or leave it.Try going in to a car dealership and asking to buy that new Ford F-150 for $5000 because Joe, who doesn't work there anymore, verbally agreed to it...

It experienced a bit of a growth spurt in the past few years because of the Eagle Ford Shale (a new oil field), but that died down during the oil prices dip.

The numbers work out but I'm struggling with the market itself - all the comp data I find is for Des Moines and it's hard to find much rental information as well. 

@Jonathan W Ford#1) Stop using Zillow..  

My father has been working at ford fir 20+ years tho he might.