It's a large complex so they have a lot of public info on their HOA website.  

As you said, have them pay for the oil and i would have a " security deposit" of a full tank of oil added. just remember, they don't fill the tank and there is no heat in the house during the winter, guess what happens to your pipes and your house ?

All but 6 (including the one I'm buying) are owned by two large corporations that rent them out.  

However, since I am new to this I'm looking for a hard money lender that's not associated with one of houstons large corporations.

You would contact someone like me who has a large buyer's list, and who does joint ventures.  

I also found he had added a unapproved roommate; this guy made HIS living selling drugs out of my house. 

Most areas you need a permit to have taken up and added costs.

Most of that time I was the investments manager in Texas for a large publicly traded REIT, managing the acquisitions and dispositions of SFR homes.

But so long as it doesn't devolve into negative cash flow, AND the funds are for MORE wisely bought cash flowing / added equity potential properties - why not? 

Many thanks for adding me to your group and for your time , JJG-