Due to recent declines in the energy sector and the resulting economic slowdown, Houston has begun to exhibit a softening in price growth.https://www.recenter.tamu.edu/articles/technical-report/Texas%20housing%20economy%20leading%20index%20construction

We looked at a property like this and the cost to bring all the units up to code even if we had gotten the property for land value would have not made economic sense.  

At the moment, I'm a year away from graduating with a BA in Economics from Columbia University. 

Any macro economic metrics?  

I appreciate you working to a point where it makes economical sense for you to step away from your W2 job.

The next step is going to be understanding the local market of my top choices, things like good neighborhoods, average rents, housing supply, economic outlook, etc.

Any recommendations on markets to target near Malvern that have good economics?

I'm too lazy to go dig up the multiple economic papers I’ve read on the topic (backed up with my own experiences, research and eyes in the marketplace), but there has been an economic boom along the MAX lines.

I'm pretty split between economics and business administration ( generic business degree).

It also extends the economic life of the property - which only helps from a cost approach standpoint.