can you afford it?  

I look at baseline affordability and edge just barely up.

They're not just going to sit on it and wait, can't afford to. 

T/C, J/T, TbyE, the solution is the same... and the solution is to get the missing owner(s) to sign the easement agreement. 

The fact that our current rate is only 3% doesn't help the refi situation, as we probably would not be able to afford (or would at least struggle to afford) the payment on the new mortgage with the higher rate and principal.I think the best way to max cash flow would be with a small multifamily that needs moderate rehab.

If I can afford the financial loss of it not being rented those months (2K mortgage) then maybe it's at least worth trying?

She had to foreclose on it because she couldn't afford to pay the liens.If you are really interested, go to some auctions to watch what others do, ask questions, and learn.

This affords us excellent cash flow and lower maintenance on a 3-5 year commercial lease.

I mean, Texas is still a great state because of the amount of jobs, the pay that comes with those jobs, and the cost of housing here as opposed to other places around the country.However, that key word "affordable" actually has a definition to it - and that's 30% of the income shouldn't go towards housing. 

Get the biggest house you can afford and rent the other rooms out to military with BAH.1.