I only know about the times where this was found out prior to closing, obviously I have no way to know about the times this shady behavior wasn't found out.Since you get a vote in who this tenant is, and it's retail, PSA that commercial lenders (especially the ones offering the best terms...) are starting to vet deals by how 'recession proof' the tenants are, even if they are currently paying on time.

Houston is a great spot for real estate (as long as you can avoid the flooding!)

And figure out a place where someone could put a dresser at least one that's a tall boy type, although most renter type bedroom sets come with a long dresser with a mirror on top.

It's the same everywhere.Just include in your offers a term that the seller pay your agent from their proceeds. 

Even then, many clients end up finding themselves working with a broker since lenders can change their guidelines, pricing, and terms etc.. at any moments notice.

They can provide guidance on potential legal options and rights concerning the city’s demands and the lender.Negotiate with the City:Seek Extensions or Variances: Your friend can request an extension on the deadline to comply or apply for variances that might allow the property to meet less stringent requirements.Explore Grants or Subsidies: Check if there are any local, state, or federal grants or subsidies available for renovating older properties, especially those providing low-income housing.Engage with the Lender:Discuss Financial Hardship: Present the case to the lender, explaining the situation and the financial hardship imposed by the new building codes.Propose a Loan Modification: Suggest modifying the loan terms, such as extending the loan period, reducing interest rates, or even deferring payments temporarily.Negotiate a Short Sale: If the property must be demolished and rebuilt, your friend can discuss the possibility of a short sale where the lender agrees to accept less than the owed amount to avoid foreclosure.Explore Refinance or New Loans:Seek New Financing Options: Look for other financial institutions or private lenders willing to provide financing for renovation or rebuilding.

If a single deal works out at this scale, the family has problems like estate tax transfer limits ($13M per child) to think through.Further, as long as the funds/deals are separate from one another, the one that does go well instantly makes the syndicator an "expert" in that specific strategy or market, which then attracts the next 500K social media followers. 

I dont really see a disadvantage to investing in the self directed field other than it is not as easy to 'cash out' if you need the funds for something else, which is not always a bad things IF you are investing for the longer term, and that you can not leverage as highly as outside a plan.

In terms of actually going into the property, I did a check-in at 6 months on my properties, but not sure whether that's too much or too little.2.

My goal is to buy the house, terminate the section 8 lease as soon as possible (at the lease term, to avoid eviction process), and search myself for other better tenants.