I'm looking to connect with people that are investing successfully in the Houston area.

You can always pressurize the domestic water lines with air and check that way . 

It will cost you a commission, but only if the realtors are successful and it gets them marketing your property for you too.Otherwise, it is the holiday season. 

If someone has had success in Coral Springs or coconut creek area with a manager, I would love to be introduced.

I was wondering if anyone had any success.

It is difficult to be a successful landlord if you can't read people, because credit reports and income verification doesn't tell you anything about how much of a PITA the tenant is going to be or how reasonable they will behave as a human being.

Congratulations on all your success in real estate so far and best of luck in the future!

Before I get too discouraged, do you all have any suggestions or success stories on other ways to generate funds for REI?

It's normally used in commercial transactions, but he had great success in residential.Basically, it's a  lease that runs at least 30 years, but up to 99.

Your contractors will be the second biggest determining factor in your success (other than buying at the right price).