If you are looking to buy 50K houses, that doesn't exist in your state, but those investments tend to be risky and best suited for experienced, local operators.

We had 3 contractors come out to provide quotes and none of them raised a concern, but a more experienced investor friend raised the concern.

Not sure if you have considered it but we are experiencing a major growth all over Texas but more specifically within the Texas Triangle: Dallas-Ft Worth on the north side, San Antonio on the lower west side with Austin-San Marcos-Round Rock in the middle and Houston on the east side. 

But I want to partner with someone who is experienced on my first deal or two (or five).

I need some advise from other experienced investors that might’ve started their investing career with house hacking.My wife and I are close to agreeing on getting a duplex under contract in a good market.

The agent value comes in analyzing the value, neighborhood trend/knowledge, how to read/research the seller as to motivation, protective and trap clauses in the wording of the contract, which lenders actually perform, which title companies to avoid, which inspectors to use/avoid, how to negotiate when problems occur prior to closing, etc, etc.....all of which You you are not experienced/competent in.So, You decide.

I'm hoping that a clever, experienced investor can help me.

If others are investing in the neighborhoods you've honed in on, talk to them.When I first started, having an idea of where I may invest, and questions about certain topics are areas is a much better convo to have with an experienced investor than to just go up with the general "I'm new and looking to get started but don't know how." 

I have been consistently researching and looking for deals but would feel more comfortable working with someone who is experienced rather than jumping in myself with no experience at all.

Hi, I would like to hear from other experienced landlords how long it takes for you to get an apartment in rentable shape, I'm talking in a situation where  it's not in terrible shape, kitchen bathroom are ok, walls aren't Coming apart .