I am so grateful for all I have gleaned from BP already, and I've barely scratched the surface.

Find a great GC who can point out any possible gremlins inside/underneath the surface.

I've heard many locals complain that the drainage ditches in Pearland drain into the Friendswood creeks, causing a lot of Friendswood to flood very easily. #2 Friendswood is home to one of the worse super-fund sites in the nation, and again many locals complain that the clean up was not done correctly.

Why is the seller letting go of a duplex that, on the surface, looks like it has a pretty strong cash flow?????

Hey Craig,On the surface it looks like a good deal, but the X factor is the repairs - though you have a buffer due to it already being fully leased.

Pour leveling compound over the rock to provide a flat surface, then install tile.

I feel like I'm able to surface again and would love to join in on a meet up in December if anybody is organizing. 

Solid surface is best.

We hire outside contractors to do roof maintenance, gutter/drainage maintenance, furnace maintenance, chimney/fireplace maintenance, plumbing maintenance, tree/shrub pruning at least once a year.

You should also be aware of properties where the legal description contains the term "Drainage Easement" or Retention Pond" or similar terms.It is up to you to know exactly what you are bidding on.