Hence, I'm curious if there are any updates to the list or if I should just stick to the favorites.

@Steve Vaughan  I may be wrong but I think lease options in TExas are illegal that over a certain period of time.although fine minds think alike..

Also, It's not uncommon for commercial properties to have a 90 day closing period, so if you can dispose your SFR's in 90 days, you'll be good.

Would you rather do a buy & hold (holding period of at least 10-15 years) rental investment in a "boring" low growth market but achieve 1% rule or invest in a "hot" growth RE market, aim for appreciation but only achieve a 0.65-0.70% rent/purchase ratio?

We just broke ground last week and I will update numbers and more pics as the project comes along but we are really excited to start our new venture and am hoping for the best.

To my understanding properties purchased from a tax sale there is a 2yr period at which time the owner can pay the taxes and take back ownership?

Not only will a complete bathroom update add value to the property, it will also assure you, you have covered anything that can go wrong in the future.

Eric Dedovesh my experience in philly with row homes has been:(1) general / basic cosmetic refresh: <30 days(2) more advanced cosmetic update, maybe some electrical or secondary advanced updates: <60 days(3) full gut and finish basement.. 3-4 months.

There's no statutory time period that you must hold the property after your parents move out. 

He just hasn't updated the rent in a while.