dealing with the water dept is draining all my energies. 

Everyone in Houston is looking midtown, EADO, Energy Corridor, but there's a very soft market north of 610 that is ripe for an influx of money.

Pull permits on major stuff but if you pulled a permit every time you replaced a toilet or a door you would be spending a lot of time and energy in the wrong places, in my opinion. 2.

You can have some swings depending on Southwestern Energy is doing but it's not like UCA is going to up and move away.

A lot of mental energy is spent on BP on entities.  

Although the included features are basic the homes are more energy efficient than older homes, simple due to the changes in building code updates, over the years.The homes are mostly brick, the siding is made of HardiePlank, and the windows are double pane vinyl.

There is no point in wasting time and focusing energy on trying to find a house to flip, dealing with a realtor then a lender, only to find out you are a long way from qualifying for a loan. 

They have commercial Business and deal with selling Energy solutions (& products) to large industries.

It looks like you have the energy and passion to succeed.

Of the 4 metros mentioned only Houston is largely reliant on energy and it's mostly refining.