Read the Guide on Wholesaling, and the many Blogs on Wholesaling, then check out the Podcasts which have info on wholesaling specifically as well as great discussions of general real estate knowledge. 

Appreciation can be a strategy but not in regards to the specific purpose behind rental property ownership.

My goal is to create passive income through investing specifically Buy and Holds.

I live in the Houston area(Pearland to be specific) but I'm from Texas City and I'm quite familiar with most of Galveston County.If you're interested in this deal of a lifetime, let's meet up and discuss terms.

The Southbay to be specific based out of Gardena, CA. 

I don't have any experience with them.however since they are CA based and did not post a CA BRE license number or CFL or NMLS I suspect they do not lend on 1 to 4 units as those require those above licenses if your in CA.Also I am always a little curious about those that say they lend from 20k to 20 million LOL.. no one can make a dime on a 20k loan... so thats curious.Lastly and this is just a personal pet peeve I just don't care for companies that don't list their principals and a small bio on their web page so you can look into the owners on google and make sure they are upstanding citizens.. again maybe its a marketing thing and maybe I am all wet but thats my preference I want to see who the principals are... they should be proud to put themselves up there ( again my pet peeve LOL)Just don't sent any up front money..

I will be moving to Arizona sometime in 2017 (scottsdale specifically) and I am looking to get as much information as possible on the investment market.

I hear OKC is an exceptional rental area, but can't offer specifics.

Or do you believe there is enough information on the web to build a reliable template?

Where specifically are you struggling?