We are building a team in Houston and are interested in a property and do not have an agent yet. 

There really isn't enough information here for someone to give you a proper answer.What you need to do is calculate those tax savings over the next 5-7 years (or however long you plan to stay in the house) vs. what the interest rate reduction will save you over that time period.

I dont have experience buying but have looked into it, from what I can tell, if you buy it at a tax auction, The owner has a certain amount of time to reclaim the property.

Off-market deals are the best way to secure a low purchase price, however, finding off-market deals can take some persistence (and luck) Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

North Carolina is a great place to invest.

With a 3-year decontrol period, I could transition the property to full market rate by mid-2029. 

You state that everything is equal but are concerned that not everything is equal...It's very possible to see a price spread like that even with comparable coverage but it's also vitally important you work with someone that has your back to make sure you understand your coverage before you'd have to use it.  

There are a million and 1 software programs out there.

In principal it sounds good but I am not sure how it is better unless it eliminates a large deposit.

If you hover over the forums, click on the events and meetups tab and search for a meetup in your local area.