Perhaps, you have a recommendation on a local (Houston) real estate agent that can help me locate tenants/roommate? 

This is useful if you are savvy with cold calling (or want to learn).Hope this helps! 

Yes, injecting a lot of out-of-state/foreign capital is great and certainly will help boost the economy.

Similar with a SFH: I can at least get in the market with a 5% conventional loan not expecting cash flow but hoping appreciation will help me out in the next 2+ years and I will at least be able to put up the remainder of the expenses since I do live with my parents. 

I hope this helps and others will add more.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Over the past two months, I've had the pleasure of helping four buyers secure fantastic investments.

Consider saving, or bringing in a partner to help hedge the expenses 

BP Fam, thanks in advance for your help with this situation.

You will be able to rub shoulders with like minded people and find mentors local to you that will be willing to help you out.