Federal law requires landlords to inform tenants about mold and moisture hazards prior to move-in and to provide educational material.

Is there a better place to buy materials in Houston other than the big box stores?

The metal fire ring was $69 at Home Depot.

Natural gas is cheaper that electric , it is what everyone prefers around here .You could always do a mini split heat pump , I have paid between 3 and 4 grand , materials and labor total

The room was very cold and the water provided had a funny metallic taste.Good luck.

Question #2, which is to go one step up to solid materials, such as granite, marble, corian etc...but I am not sure for a smaller unit like a 1/1 typically for a single person, doing that will not bring up my rent even $1, *MIGHT* make the unit more appealing, not sure it's a big factor though, not like  granite on a 3/2 or 4/3. 

I have a Roth, traditional, and a self directed IRA that I hold precious metals in. 

Also, if I wait 18 months, then I'll only be able to purchase one property.Mortgage rates are likely to stay low or come down in the medium term and the effects of a recession will not affect property prices materially for years - not in the next 18 months. 

We didn’t find any tenants that met all of our criteria in the first few weeks, so we decided to list it for sale and it went under contract in just about two weeks!

If the 6 unit were mine, I'd think about having (2) metal pick-nick tables, a matching trash can, (2) pole mount charcoal grills and fire pit, with a shrubbery border to make the area its own space.And for residents and their visitors this sign.