It's always a good feeling to see others who have transitioned from a solid career to some level of real estate investing.

This one is a little too complicated for my level of investing right now.

My husband and I have left our successful medical device sales positions to take our lives and careers to the next level.

You'll also find that even major cities in Texas have predatory dealing ordinances with real estate, it's also addressed at the state level. 

I checked on Energy.gov (http://energy.gov/energysaver/electric-resistance-heating) - they have some decent info, I copied it below.

If you are a lawyer, high level executive, or something else that pays well but takes most of your time/concentration, then I think passive investing is a great deal. 

Ceramic is resistant to water, more so than laminate.

Avg 80+ units and mid level hotel cap 6 % and better.

It's a good price point for entry-level landlords and creating turnkey properties can become a lucrative business for you down the road if you learn it now.I would tell your family it's risky but the risk is backed by real estate and the worst case scenario is that only 50% of their money may be returned - come prepared you're asking for their money so they have the right to question and examine all of your ideas and assumptions. 

I didn't use the term "price gouging" as that is as you described in markets.Here's the term predatory for you Jason :)http://www.hoodwinkedhouse.com/real-estate-fraud-t...Predatory dealing is, as I stated above, is usually caught in the area of fraud, deceptive trade practices at a micro level.