Don't over improve at this point, just good solid tenants in a clean and functioning unit, if the market is good and appears feasible you can go for higher rents through upgraded units as they become vacant.

As my intention is to be a full-time investor by the end of 2015, it appears clear to me that leveraging our acquisitions will be absolutely critical.I am not very knowledgeable on business structuring.

The friend/family member was there along with her to be certain that there was no appearance of him taking advantage of the little old lady. 

It appears to me that your loophole might be valid. 

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

I'm excited to be in a local market when it appears that prices aren't crazily high and, judging by the new place I've rented the rental prices are quite high compared to the buying price (when comparing to London or Australia of course) so there should be some decent yields out there.I'm new to property in general also so have been blitzing through some podcasts and books and hope to have better knowledge by the time my credit rating has a chance to build over a year or so.In addition to the above education it would great to get some Houston specific information so if anyone can share some good links for reading up, any charts/graphs of historic house prices, area guide links, work out if prices/yields here are currently perceived to be high/low or anything in general you feel would be a help.Differences for me coming from the UK would be that public transport links are very important when deciding where to invest, where as here it doesn't seem to have much relevance as everyone drives but I imagine other fundamentals like Jobs, schools, shops, non-flood areas are still as important.

IT appears the state is trying to put an end to unlicensed brokers.475.43475.43 Presumptions.

Doesn't appear that they will have any substantive agreement to make to the authorities.  

This appears to be a reverse mortgage short sale.

Since then I stumbled upon  Bigger Pockets which appears to be a great resource.