It's good in that they don't have a lot of sale pitch, typical none in general meetings but ccasionally they bring in people with programs.

To minimize capital gains tax on the sale of their primary residence, your in-laws can utilize the $500,000 capital gains exclusion, potentially explore an installment sale to spread tax liability over several years, or consider converting the property into a rental to use a 1031 exchange for tax deferral eventually.

Meaning, the bank wants to see that a property cash flows for typically one to two years of tax returns before they count it as income. 

Condo's are usually on the cheaper end of cost for appraisal reports, typically not $750 (but if it's a high end condo or in an area with there's some complexity, the fee can reflect that). 

I doubt including utility fees in in the PMA.

Typically it’s a secondary use meaning the land must have a primary use (like a home on it).

Typical equity build up time is 5 years, depending on your market.But can you purchase another rental using your own capital?

I researched commercial construction careers, and found a construction degree is typically required.

The profile of the typical Houston traveler is someone coming in for work.

I used my house hacking here in Los Angeles and utilized the equity to buy out of state.