She goes on to say, "But if you buy for cashflow, not equity growth,then you have a MUCh better chance of SURVIVING any upcoming downturn."

In turn the surrounding areas have seen large growth.

I have yet to see that growth/change slow down.

For example, CoC may tell you something about your year 1 cash flow, but will tell you nothing about appreciation (forced and/or market), rent growth, CapEx, quality/volatility of cash flow, mortgage pay down, tax benefits, management headaches, or the risk you will be taking on to achieve that CoC ... all of these things mentioned and more are critical points to be considered that CoC alone tells you nothing about. 

I asked myself the same question, which is how much rental growth can the area withstand?

Our recession was sharp, but growth resumed quickly.So in short, What i can buy in Niagara Falls NY for $100,000 Canadian would cost me $300,000-$500,000 Canadian in Niagara Falls Ontario and the rents are the same.so right now, I want the short term cash flow the US will provide me compared to the long term appreciation of Canadian real estate and that's why i'm looking to invest in the States

I like the looks of the outskirts of Fort Bend (Richmond, Rosenburg, Katy, etc.).EaDo is looking pretty good IMO - it is poised for growth.

Just in general.. you need to apply to the county and ask for the rezone.. planning commission will vote on it... if they are anti growth you probably will get turned down.look to see what the comp plan is .. if its not 5 acre lots same thing probably not going to happen.In the old days in Idaho you could simply do deed descriptions and record them...

Prosper ISD has driven the population from 3K to 18K in 9 years, crazy growth.  

So there is some investment and growth in the area.