As it relates to Texas I think property tax's have an influence as well.. those are fixed costs that are 1 to 3X higher than other markets for similar priced properties.. 

I thought that April 2013 would have been my prediction for when this bond market would crash as the round 2 of fiscal cliff talks would probably take a little longer to patch a deal together.

Or perhaps someone in your sphere of influence might be interested?

I would suggest you focus on your sphere of influence or pick an area your really familiar with and door knock. 

If you are dealing with a local bank they may be influenced by the inspection report as well.

Pops influenced me to renovate better than I would have.

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie is a good one!

In other words if the closing happens on June 30, the seller is charged for 6 months and the buyers pays the other 6 months if December 31st is property tax fiscal year end.Again the property tax liability is dependent on what the agreement says.

After we get to know you better, as you gain influence with others, you won't be so "suspected" as we do try to protect our new, learning members.

Running practice numbers and researching will give you more confidence.Do not let others influence you without running your own numbers and getting out there and looking for deals.Read the book "Acres of Diamonds".