And we will raise rent over time as well.

He also has a hauling trailer in the front of the street and has construction material stored in the garage as well. 

I'm local to Houston as well and develop small multifamily for long term holds. 

Very well qualified borrowers can often obtain favorable terms from their existing banking relationship and sometimes even borrow against non-real estate related capital assets such as money market, life insurance or investment accounts.

Given that we deduct a lot on our taxes due our rentals we look cash flow poor when we are actually able to cover the debt service on a nicer home that is well more than $2500 that the lender currently says we can afford. 

Well, at $0.05 per mile, a gallon of gas should be $0.85 to $1.15 to match what I pay in the EV MGP-equivalent.

Not only was the security deposit 'owner held', but January rent was sent as well. 

Would you need to provide utilities as well?

Finding and Funding Good Deals" - really good book on helping you get properties for a good price even in this type of market.I would consume these as quick as possible over the next couple months, it will definitely give you a boost.I started in real estate AFTER the covid boom, and I'm doing well off. 

So that is something to consider as well.