I was trying to find a house there so I can write off my trips!

When I do remember, whether a singular transaction or taking down a large asset, I seem to be able to write my own ticket. 

One additional thing I would suggest is to speak with people doing the type and style of investing that most interests you.

I've just been offered an opportunity to write  for a site and be paid for it.

Legitimate contractors will not want to even visit the house if you tell them what your expectation of cost is... and they will know after looking that writing an estimate would just be a further waste of time. 

Frankly, it's hardly worth the time to write a check and take it to the post office for that.People who own rental properties in Texas are really screwed.

The key is trust your gut, and WRITE everything down and sign it. 

Paying off the line with all proceeds from all cash-flowing properties I have will help us expedite the "rinse-n-repeat" model giving us flexibility to have some steroid growth style action for our biz.    

If it's not going through either of them and they are just handling it then make sure he gets in writing that what ever taxes are owed at the time of this "closing" that the amount owed for taxes will be removed from the purchase price in order to pay the taxes due.

I am going to write that on my white board because I should definitely keep that in my mind every day, "control my investments, track and stay on top of what effects my properties."