Factoring other "hidden" expenses like vacancy (when you don't have a tenant in there, you'll be paying the PITI and HOA!)

But really, I dont want to drive 4 hours roundtrip to try to unclog their toilet.And I was right by not driving there, because when the plumber called, the issue was further down the sewer.

I'd like to place extra emphasis on the 45 day time limit - which will be the biggest factor influencing your decision.If you have 285k of equity to play with, you're looking at either buying 1 larger multi-family property or several smaller properties, likely amounting to close to or in excess of $1M worth of property.   

It depends on a LOT of factors. 

Specifically I am interested in investing in a $200k or less duplex that is no more than a 30-40 minute drive from Deer Park, TX, preferably in the Clear Lake/Webster area. 

You should do an annual inspection to check that the house is being kept up and a drive would not hurt to check the exterior. 

Specific income from any park owned homes is not capitalized, this should be factored in as more of a bonus. 

Most of the time the banks here don't even order a walk-through appraisal, they just send someone to drive by to make sure the house actually exists, and then us a formula based on comparable sales to decide if it's a go or not.

Interested in offering my value too assist any current investors working projects within local areas75068Frisco , little elm, the colony , lewisville , Carrollton Driving , pickup , physical work , errands etc.

@Dustin CornellDepends on several factors and who the lender is.