If it matters to the conversation: I'm planning to sell my STR in Wisconsin Dells soon and roll that gain into this commercial building. 

Can't speak to Manvel or Leander as much other than I have personal friends/family who live in Leander and I love visiting them - it's a great place :) I sent you a PM to connect! 

And finally (I personally despise this option) you offer cash for keys.

I to,d him if he thought selling Cutco knives was challenging, imagine trying to sell a person on investing $50k or more with a sponsor that has yet to perform in this RE market (regardless if the value add is smart and likely to do well).  

Let me know if you ever want to chat more directly about house hacking as my wife and I personally do this as well as most of my clients that I help!

Practice your personal elevator pitch in the mirror out loud until you feel comfortable saying it. 

TIAEither way, I would get on a plane and check out the cities in person.

but again, recent changes in the market have made cash flow much tougher just about everywhere.i don't invest in Florida myself but I'd pick a couple markets, go to each one in person, and look at as many places as you can. 

This is one I was personally involved with.

That person does work, but we'd want the other person to be financially responsible.