You might consider using a taskrabbit or fiver - compose a list you're interested in, either from driving for dollars or from that horrible list from the assessor and then give it to a taskrabbit - pay them to go down to the assessors office and manually look up the address - that is what I'm working on now because I have a 8-5 gig: if you have time during the week then you can hit the office your self.

Roi obviously depends on what area of Houston you buy in but 9-12% is not unrealistic on single family rental properties under management here.From talking to clients from California and talking to the guys in our LA office, its borderline impossible to find rental property with half decent returns out there.

You should look at going to your local tax deed office to purchase tax certificate s or tax deed properties.  

I called this morning at 7:20 not expecting to reach him (his office doesn't open until 8) but he answered. 

I use a state and federally licensed RMLO so I am SPECIFICALLY complying with both state and federal regulations.I was a licensed loan officer until I gave it up during the crash as it was a waste of a license when no one wanted to buy. 

I know traditional banks usually don't do these and I've tried a bank in Raleigh NC but the loan officer stated that the chief executive wouldn't allow them to do this type of loan this quarter due to the amount of properties they've had to take back by foreclosure.

I am fairly new to investing however I have 6 years as a realtor and 3 years as a loan officer.

No different than an office visit you pay for at a doctors office, our expertise and education in the trades is a value to most sensible investors.If basic principles are applied during pre-construction, 9 times out of 10 everyone will walk away feeling good and most importantly with profits earned.

Established companies leverage public databases to generate lists that blanket a whole state - because if you're going to keep an office full of people busy you have to send a crapton of mail (see above). 

I've been happy with the training I've received and the convenience of several offices throughout the Valley.