I am a part time agent and investor located in Leander, TX.

I'll also add that guidelines change over time. just because they don't like it now doesnt mean they wont decide later to be okay with it.  

Your time is best spent producing the revenue that allows you to invest in the first place.That includes using local agents you meet and feel are a good fit for you, property managers, possibly buying completed properties like the one you posted here, and outsourcing as much of the process as you can as you get started. 

If you were able to build equity over time, it could be smart to sell, pay off your loan, and use the money for another venture (flip, investments, etc) if it is truly bleeding you out.

If you don't have the time to manage the property then you would probably want a company to do that for you.

I'm not a property casualty agent (was a long time ago - now just life/health).

It's totally normal for it to take some time, often about a month or so.

Have asked a question or 2 on here but have disappeared a few times. 2024 was a busy year for me.

Tell them I had this done and I was unaware of the requirement and will abide next time.

He must have spent gobs of time and money every year maintaining the books and the structure.