I'm a local Houston realtor and developer so feel free to reach out with any specific questions or if you would like to go check out some of these areas when you are in town. - Chris Kersey  @ckerseyrealestate

One of the risks here is that you can potentially have a nosey/disgruntled neighbor who would go as far as to file a complaint with the local building department.

He’s probably going to end up going to a trade school, get a real estate license, work with a local contractor to become a building contractor.What are your thoughts about buying a property early in your life?

I have the keys and have begun moving items into the unit, but am not yet occupying it.The landlord has now informed me that he would like to agree to some sort of buyout of the lease because he is having problems with the local municipality for fire and sprinkler approvals.

Hoping things change🤞🏼I am involved in the community here and know first-hand the money and resources being thrown at minority-owned businesses from large local corporations as well as local community foundations. 

Attend meetups and meet as many people in RE as you can. 

@Bonnie Low if you have an international student they will have an SSN if they will be paid by the university or sometimes get an ITIN to open a bank account. locally you may be able to search by name in local databases but it isn't usually helpful.

By way of example, the local code may require max distance from common stairs or building exits and something as simple as that can really interfere with the layouts you are contemplating in your head. 

You might look at hiring a designer that is local to help out.

I recommend networking with other MTR operators at your local REI meetup for market-specific feedback.