You limit your tenant pool by rejecting pets. 

considering the vast pool of tenants you can choose to be picky.

That should give you a large pool of potential buyers or renters.

Like I mentioned, 1300-1400 sq ft, 2 story, 2 bed / 2.5 bath / 1 car garage, backyard will be nice (deck, pergola, seating area, stone hardscape, bamboo, hipster lights, but no pool or anything like that) Backyards wont be that big, probably only 150-200 sq ft.I don't see any new construction in that part of 77009 under $300,000 but my partner's concern isn't about our price being right, it's about how many people will be actually able to buy come January and if foreclosures inflate supply in the market

Add a diving board and you can advertise that you have a small pool!  

As @Aaron K. stated, you will likely get the most money listing on the MLS as you will be targeting the widest pool of potential buyers, not just investors.

Same with pools.

In-ground pool in the bedroom?

I'm currently evaluating my first potential STR vacation property at the beach:  1st row single family home with a pool and a small yard. 

I also spend big money on house cleaners, pool cleaners, and landscaper, cable TV, utilities and highspeed internet.