Good luck on your endeavor.  

Don’t simply hire the cheap guy.Supportive Family & Friends—Having the support and backing of loved ones is important in any endeavor.

Don't anything, enjoy it. 

Enjoy! 

This was my first endeavor to letting someone else handle all of the rehab (I have personally rehabbed my personal residences in the past). 

Hi Ellie,I just joined BP yesterday so I'm enjoying getting caught up on some Houston real estate posts on here this morning. :) I don't know if you ever found a realtor but if not, I would be happy to help you.

The constable was sick and wouldn’t return any of our calls for a couple of weeks all the while they were still just enjoying living in the property rent free.

I also enjoyed the thrill and mantle of being an owner.

Only you can decide if this is going to be a charitable endeavor or a true investment. 

I save $ by doing the work myself5. keep in mind your debt to income ratio, banks want to know if you can afford to pay them back6. know what adds value to your home and the comps in the area7. make a killer deal happen, don't shy away from rejection , make sure the numbers make sense, enjoy the journey of real estate , love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life Good luck to you!