I work near one of these "war zones" and the crime/danger really varies by street, so maybe you would be better more on the outskirts of the area you're interested in? 

Typically (varies by state) you are an agent FIRST for so many years when originally licensed after passing your ongoing classes and then the final state exam.If you pass the final exam your license is usually on INACTIVE status until you associate and sign up with a brokerage to hang your license with.Various states then require a certain amount of years typically active and in good standing before they allow you to take the brokers license test and even then maybe more years before you can become one. 

This can vary from reasonable to outrageous (the sewer connection fee for one of my properties is $40K - needless to say it will be remaining on septic).Hopefully you forecast costs conservatively and have decent margin for these type of unexpected costs.Good luck

@TJ QuinataYou'll likely receive varying opinions about this.

I guess depending on the market, you will need varying degrees of security.

Water/sewer varies greatly depending on the municipality. 

It varies all over the board by HML so you have to give a scenario to get a true idea of where the numbers are.

Again, still assuming that you are in the Midland/Odessa area there are pretty large builders that build entire communities at varying price points catering to first time home buyers.

As the answers will varies, i invest out of state(South Florida) and renting in NY 🤷🏿 working well and cash flow...as all would agree be sure to have boots on the ground.

@Sean Larsen, that's a tough one, as it varies on the area.