I cannot speak directly to the Houston market as I am primarily focused in NH and MA, but I figured I'd share some insights and thoughts I have based on what you've said.First, you do not have to be handy to successfully complete a fix-and-flip, AND, you don't initially have to have any contract contacts.

Thanks for the insight!

I'm in a 1031 exchange, having sold a commercial property in Los Angeles.

So while I feel very lucky to have had a handful of  "safe" opportunities to take action and gain insight,  I know this in no way qualifies me as an investor. 

One MAJOR advantage to renting the property out for a year is if you decide to sell it after renting it out for a year or longer it's considered an investment property and you can 1031 exchange it into a property of equal or higher value and not have to pay capital gains taxes on the sale of the property. 

I was wondering if anyone from there have some insights on the surrounding areas, property type (single family, multi), and/or airbnb market?

Yes, the insight Paul provided in this episode will certainly help those of us that want to keep pushing and looking for more challenges/opportunities.

This will also provide some valuable insights to help your growth as a RE investor!

I'm selling my home and doing a 1031 exchange, and am filing a California Form 593-E (Real Estate Withholding -- Computation of Gain or Loss).

I exchanged messages with another (very generous and informative) investor recently about seller financing and he described it like you, with the healthy down payment and slightly higher interest rate, but I couldn't wrap my head around a buyer with $25k in their bank account who can afford a higher interest rate and slightly higher monthly payments that couldn't qualify for a traditional loan.