Short of "foot knocking" and "driving for dollars" I cannot think about manny other ways to find what you are looking for.

How does using ONLY operating expenses for one year period determine a return on your investment? 

If they commit to signing the Lease Agreement within a specified period (usually 30 days max), I convert this "Holding Deposit" to the Security Deposit (fully refundable, minus items above normal wear/tear).

Short term, I am looking to get my feet wet, I want to learn as much as I can about rental properties, flipping, and buy and hold to gain enough information to be comfortable with my first deal.Long term, I hope to acquire enough rental property to produce enough passive income that would allow me to spend more time with my wife and newborn baby girl.I would like to thank everyone in advance for your knowledge and time in working with me.

Also on podcast #174 they interview @Dave Short.  

Good Day everyone, My name is Taneka and I am very new to real estate Period.

If it's out of hand over a long period and you can prove it, then you're more likely to be able to break the lease.  

I have been in constant contact with the realtor/short sale specialist and they assure me on is going well.  

Now that it has been foreclosed and auction is pending - I know there is still a right of redemption period in Texas. 

The law is meant to protect the investor and renters (the exception is for the owners is because it isn't right for a owner to not to be able to rent there own property and would result in many properties being empty for longer periods) As an owner setting up the dba is not circumventing anything so long as you have an interest in the property.