Totally unrealistic expectations and their opinion of what they are worth or bring to the table is far inflated. 

Factor in inflation, and the constant trajectory of the SA economy and you're definitely going to see both housing prices and residential lease rates rise.  

Welll, odds are your original broker will find out eventually. 

Being sneaky / casual with one's lenders carries a bad rep in this biz.You will have to honor whatever lease term is in effect when ownership transfers, unless Texas has some odd exception that says you don't. 

Generally, small multifamily (2-4) have better odds of cash flow... in fact I got a listing from Colin Smith earlier this week that cash flows ~$50/unit as is in Colorado Springs, if I recall.

That’s why it’s helpful to also question managers for scenario modeling of upside or downside cases with changing interest rates, inflation, and market developments.

Also checkout your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for material deals on smaller quantities like for backsplash tile, bathroom tile, 1 gallon random paint cans, carpet for 1 or 2 odd bedrooms, and scratch & dent appliances.

The market in Portland and Salem area seems very inflated and overpriced for doing a good buy and hold strategy that could provide me with a strong monthly cashflow.

I work in the summers and do odd jobs, but I’m not sure I should commit 40 hours a week to a job year round.

They say that if we enter a deeper recession/depression, inflation will be a concern and that real estate is a good hedge against that.