I eventually want to build on the lot but for the time being, I want to purchase it so that no else buys it first.

@Jason Davis just purchased a package of 5 SFH in the area and starting to Rehab.

At one point my Brokerage employed over 70 Agents and trust me, those stats track.So when a company starts advertising on my show, or an Agent starts working at my Brokerage I can usually if they'll make it long term or if they'll flame out.

If you plan on living there, I would pick the place you want to live, then start investing.  

If you're running a fix & flip business, you'll eventually want to learn how to estimate repairs and independently prepare a scope of work.

I started with a property management company.

This is where you need to really start working the numbers, but hopefully, you can craft a deal around what they want.

For 2025 I will be taking a leave from my fulltime W2 work start 1st July for rest of the year.

Quote from @Delton Friedman: Hi Everyone, I have been looking at building a duplex to rent in the Houston area, but I am not sure how to start. 

Michael had built his portfolio from the ground up, starting with a single rental property.