There are very few choices here in the multi-family arena so if anyone has a tip for me, please help. 

The owner has made the choice to have professional representation.

Certainly a life style choice and a bedroom community IMO. 

It is a personal choice as to how you want to start your business I think.

If you had a list of the types of inspections that you not only typically have done by choice, but because they are a mandate of the city that would be very helpful as well!

Just because you spent some money exploring opportunities in the state does not constitute business activity, so I think your fine, I agree with @Scott McCadden that I would set up an LLC in Texas if you do end up purchasing a property, or may want to explore using a land trust to hold th property which may avoid this issue all together, this has become popular in FL, but not sure if they work similar in TX.Hope this helps good luck

Obviously it wasn't my first choice, but I was happy to do it and still am if it gets the deal done.

It was an excellent choice.

Or offer on your first choice and then if they counter that offer don't respond until you make an offer on your second choice at the price you want for it.

There are also several companies that are popular among investors here in Austin.