Your best bet is to get ahold of the agent before it hits the market.

(see where they live now)..best bet is to call the employer and the current landlord.Also, I differ from @Luke H. in one way, never rent to people who need the apartment next week.

Just because you spent some money exploring opportunities in the state does not constitute business activity, so I think your fine, I agree with @Scott McCadden that I would set up an LLC in Texas if you do end up purchasing a property, or may want to explore using a land trust to hold th property which may avoid this issue all together, this has become popular in FL, but not sure if they work similar in TX.Hope this helps good luck

You don’t have to write me a book here but is your position that once these facilities are built out there could be a lag there and therefore it is a risky bet.  

It's pretty cool - I bet you'll love it if you aren't already using it.

Your best bet is to take whatever they will provide you and see if you can decipher the information that's on there.  

The owner could be doing a bit of rehab on those units, so they are off market for a bit.Your best bet is to view the building with an EXPERIENCED muti-family professional (Read Investor, Property Manager, Asset Manager etc.) who can look at the building and offer advice.Good Luck!

There are also several companies that are popular among investors here in Austin.

I've never heard of this heating method before, but a google search tells me that it was popular in the '70s and can make for a high electricity bill.

Just have to keep in mind long term that technically your not allowed to rent both units, it's supposed to be owner occupied.I like La Mesa in that price range because its close to the city, safe, and will continue to gain popularity over the next few years with the younger generation of renters.