I've started researching real estate and I have so many questions, but the biggest one is: How on earth do I know the value of a property for sale?

I am using a non-traditional loan which requires negligible downpayment with good rates.. the only downside is I have to occupy until the loan is pending.

My biggest hurtle at the moment is getting financing since I am self employed.

(even with property management you will still have to pay and check up routinely)  Whereas the wrap income is guaranteed, the downside being taxes paid on wrap income and inflation vs the wrap income over the life of the note.

The biggest areas of need are foundation repair and plumbing.

The payment schedule is the biggest difference.

I am researching the market and will start diving deep into cleaning arrangements, repair folks, what types of properties bring the biggest return (size, more private vs more crowded cabins, closer to or further from town, hot tubs, views, etc...)

I currently live in Houston, but not biggest the fan of the area and find the risk of investment high in this area due to flood.

The only downside is committing at least 1 8 hour day per month. 

The downside is that they are pickier about which houses they will and won't insure.