As to your specific questions, I'll try to give my personal thoughts.

Yesterday, tenant found listing on furnished finder and made specific requests and they were hoping to get in that day, so I told them they could deposit cash in my bank and I would email the lease directly, which I did.

No specific amount but it will definitely be noted when doing comps .

I just don't want that money going into a monopoly that provides marginal service.

For instance, in Dallas or Houston, there are specific areas that are best to steer clear of.

Are you Dallas specific or anywhere the deals are in the area?

The commission on the transaction is increased by including the escrow account specifically designated for covering the monthly payments into the total loan amount.

-What does the rate float to - what is "Margin + Index"?

Establish specific objectives for wealth building, financial independence, or passive income.

First thing I would consider starting out is identifying which specific neighborhoods within those cities.