I do not know how they are handling new customers verse the Midland existing customers.Regarding the customer service it seems the people I dealt with are still employed and only my "personal rep" as it were, was promoted and another took her place.

Starting to get competitive though for investment properties because of that reason you have more and more people entering the market from out of state.

a lot of people will poo poo this, but I also live in a market where cash flow is low, property taxes are high and properties are expensive (which is a relative term).

I'm in a small town so the people aspect is a huge consideration. 

There are people on here (BP) that say "you don't need to pay for education".Well, not only are they wrong!

You need a license if you're going to manage other people's properties.

Any insights/people with experience in this market who can chime in?

Then when you have enough money for the 3.5% down, buy a place that you can live in and rent out spaces to other people. 

There are definitely people with more experience than I have, but from what I understand, Proper insurance (and probably other companies) will cover like a commercial policy, as well as a personal property for your own personal use.  

Most people are going for 3+.