It is based on your address and therefore the zoning for that area.

Houston recently passed the livable places ordinance which has changed up the game a little. 2) Plans/Permitting- ( all up front cost) Get with an experienced engineer/architect to drawe up your plans and submit to permitting.

Hard money loans are out there, but they expect you to have skin in the game too, and some experience.  

Then, do an Engineering Based Cost Segregation study and get back some of that invested money back from the IRS (it's 100% free to see how much you could save).

Real estate can appreciate overseas but you could still lose money based on currency exchange rates and strength.

I've made hasty decisions based on my debt ratio challenges.

Hey daniel,I'm based in Ft.

I've learned that investing will differ for everyone based on their goals.

@Tracy ScottScour the HOA docs for wording involving occupancy such as, "not more than three (3) persons not related by blood or marriage living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit."

In the real estate investment game that probably gets changed to definitely.