If it was class B it would be different from afar.If upon checking the rent rolls the units turn a lot then having a fast maintenance person will be even more critical to get rent-ready again.

Even more so through others constructive criticism of those posts.

Networking in professional clubs along with friends, relatives and church groups, can also be a source to find private lending money.

@Jason Bible:I recently bought homebuyershouston though am just sitting on the URL right now as I've had some success sourcing through relationships/auctions.

Best practices:  Good relationships are to say the least CRITICAL.

In order to accomplish this goal, I plan on using my technical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving abilities all of which I have developed as a computer programmer and mathematician.       

We've found there are so many sources for funding out there that if you have a good deal the money will likely follow - someone will want to partner with you, or find seller financing, or find a hard money lender who will lend up to 90%, pull out equity in your first home if you can afford it, if you have a retirement account from an old employer, you may be able to roll it to a self-directed IRA that you can use to invest in real estate, etc...Another new one - have you considered renting out the second bedroom if you purchase your friend's house?

Parts Direct (Sears) is one source (http://www.searspartsdirect.com/). 

I will like to know any market pointers on the Houston and surrounding areas and a good source for cash buyers and list of homes you guys use.

Getting a job/income and building credit is definitely the priority but as for the 40k to invest in, here's roughly what I have in mind, please correct me/suggest if it is workable - *Disclaimer :)  I do have source of income for all expenses, just not verifiable for loan application, so the $40k I mentioned is budgeted solely for RE investment, no worries about daily expenses.