I am looking for an insurance agent in the Austin area also.

I personally would never invest money in an area that I didn't know, with people I didn't know, in a business I knew nothing about.

Depending on your experience you'll likely be somewhere between 75% - 90% of the purchase price and possible up to 92.5% if you have lots of experience as well as experience in the area.

Yes, CMHA just raised their Section 8 rental rates and are really trying to encourage more Section 8 properties in this area. 

Once i have my permanent financing completed, then I'll confirm that it's gone well =D  I lived in this market for 7 years while I did my schooling(undergraduate and graduate) and have family and friends  (as well as business partners) in the area. 

You may be in violation of a loan covenant.If you have no mortgage, you are a bigger target for a frivolous lawsuit.  

This is a local bank in a rural area and my girlfriend and I have our mortgage on our home through this bank, but I really am not sure how they would have pulled my girlfriends information for a credit check if her Mom did not provide the info.We will be calling first thing Monday morning when banks open, but our major concern is whether she is able to sign for the loan (should it be approved) without my girlfriends approval, since she is also listed on the deed. 

You can find an investor group in your area and network with them. 

For me I diversify into real estate as well as other asset classes and put most of it in lower risk areas (I am closer to 50) and have some “play money” that I am willing to put in riskier investments.

I'm new to the area and have been finding meetups to attend which can be helpful.