If you do need a loan consider looking at agricultural based banks such as Agcredit, Farm credit, etc. 

Check out the BP meet-up forums for Cincinnati, Ohio area and you will see "Real Estate on Tap" and can see the information for each meeting hosted and the topic based on the speaker.

But they will give you even more valuable advise where to actually invest in the Houston area based on their years of experience.

Mostly I want to know other downsides to commission based off sqft rather than %.

I am an aspiring investor, and I'm based in a suburb of Houston, TX.

I normally advise people to self manage for the first part of their journey if they can so that they can get a knowledge base to become better investors.At some point if you get to enough units self management is tough and its too costly to hire an employee so the numbers make sense hiring a property manager.To be blunt, you are going down a risky path for an investor.  

I have not worked with this company but doesn't sound good customer service from your review.

., you sell your investment), you may be able to use any remaining suspended passive losses to offset other forms of income, including non-passive income like W-2 income.It's important to note that tax laws and regulations can be complex, and the treatment of passive losses can vary based on individual circumstances and changes in tax laws.

A business does not base their business plan on possible RE appreciation and sale of that building.

Establishing a robust financial base is vital, as it echoes your investment aspirations and capacity for risk.