I wrote an article for BP on questions to ask a broker:https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2016/07/3...Hope that helpsGino

Since then I have been constantly reading books, articles, blogs and listening to podcasts.

Just because you spent some money exploring opportunities in the state does not constitute business activity, so I think your fine, I agree with @Scott McCadden that I would set up an LLC in Texas if you do end up purchasing a property, or may want to explore using a land trust to hold th property which may avoid this issue all together, this has become popular in FL, but not sure if they work similar in TX.Hope this helps good luck

It's a tough occupation, and definitely not a money maker, so I would just be wary about the strategy.If you consider that writing and proof-reading a decent article takes 3 hours, what's your time worth?

I also get lost in the trail of articles this website has to offer!

Here's the article I'm referring to. https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/09/24/1031-exchanges-real-estate/

You might try this article @Brandon Turner wrotehttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/20-books-...hopefully the link works.

Here's a link to a TurboTax article that explains it pretty clearly: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Ren...And a link to the IRS page on the basics of depreciation: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-se...Hope that helps!

There are also several companies that are popular among investors here in Austin.

The article mentions taxes gained and lost - is this the place to factor in taxes paid on the income from the property (is that taxed at a rate of ordinary income?)