You can make just as much or more riding a growth or appreciative wave. 

Stroll down cobblestone streets, take a horse-drawn carriage ride at sunset, or explore the French Quarter.

Between hurricanes and hail damage claims are much higher in Texas.  

My first sfh rental here was 18% cost $58, 000. (1981)2nd a yr later was 19% ownerhold $62, 000.3rd was 14% OHoldd for $90k4th $100k ohold @ 13% worth $265,000 & we still have it.Etc etcAll total rehabs. ...all paid off asap.1st sold for $148, 000 7 yrs later. 2nd we still have & its appraised @ $400k.3rd I still own 50% of & its appraised @$475k.As others I partnered on appreciated we sold them to pay those I owned off.It was a rough ride, lots of risk !!

I would continue to use the BP resources and enjoy the ride.

If you don't have enough for a 25% down payment, chances are you don't have enough to ride turbulent times.

I've already signed the contract (lmk if you think this was hasty on my part -- would love to know why) and paid some earnest money (I'm long-term bullish on ATX) so I'm basically in for the ride, but given the market has been pretty crazy, was wondering what other people think about this.

@Hailé Betemariam work backwards.

But if you keep your property as a rental and let the appreciation ride you will make a way better return. 

My parents saved a college fund for me but I got a full ride so I put that in a mutual fund as well.