Scott's book on estimating rehab costs.These are just tips so you can make the best analysis of the deal and a solid presentation to potential partners. 

Using the Houston Flood Zone Map I am sure with some work you can target some areas that are Not in a Flood Zone or look at the surrounding cities with solid rent rates and growth for investment potential.  

If I'm refinancing a rental property, I want to make sure I'm getting a solid deal.

. :) Yes, that is true enough.But my general point, which I realize I have made before and may be being a bit of a broken record about, is that state laws vary and a whole lot of advice on BP is not good, simply because it assumes that the law in the advisee 's state is the same as in the adviser's state.And Randy is quite right that many landlords appear to believe that their lease language is magic, and always controls, when that is not true at all.No better evidence of this than on BP.  

I'm currently trying to put together a solid list of real estate investors in the houston area.

Wouldn't it be smarter if you spent less time sifting through all the garbage properties in your email because you have 3 solid ace superstar wholesalers from different companies who pump out 30 quality deals a month each and you know you can get your hands on as many as your bank account can handle?

To be honest, I hope I never even see the property, just provide a good, safe living situation for the tenants and collect some solid cash flow each month.All that being said, anyone have any tips for out of state investors?

The time on Market is a little longer than what I  would like to see but the profit is solidly there...but I digress.My reason for this post is that I am having a little bit of a hard time finding a Hard Money lender as well as a GAP lender. 

Consider teaming up with an experienced investor for your first few projects to help you get some solid experience.

@Damon Duperre Not to pick on you, but there is actually little to no evidence to support the notion that subsidized housing depresses property values.