Additionally, I was not making enough from my corporate job to support any kind of significant mortgage payment.

States Can Still Require Additional FilingsEven though 506(b) offerings are exempt from state registration, individual states can still require notice filings and fees.

Most look at a Certificate of Insurance and confirm coverage limits but best practices are to (1) become added as additional insured under contractors policy and (2) understand coverage exclusions which are not going to be detailed on an insurance certificate.

I know of all the benefits that come with real estate but it seems like if you break even with 20 percent down, those are similar returns to just putting that money in the S&P 500.

Texas has additional laws against these options.

There are some benefits to having an LLC on reduced liability, but there are more expenses. 

Additionally, I would suggest you run some financial calculations such as cash on cash return as well as any appreciation from the asset if/when you sell.

I have added new electric service, all new plumbing, an additional bathroom, remodeled Kitchen all the way down to the studs, new carpet on the second floor, and new LVP on the first floor.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

There are multiple benefits of using a POA to list the property rather than getting a purchase agreement e-signed with a "listing clause" in it.