If you're comfortable looking outside your immediate area, there may be other Texas cities with more inventory, and based on what I've seen Oklahoma may be of interest.

His businesses have afforded me many comforts that I am so grateful for.

In summary they have ranged a lot of the REI scenarios and I learned something at almost all of them even the building of 3 new units which is above my comfort zone (I learned it is ~$100K to break dirt on a new SFR which places a bottom value on any SFR).There has been no selling.

Some people are comfortable using a HELOC for buy and hold but I like the idea of flipping better because I am turning my money faster and can pay back the HELOC in just a few months so in my view the money is at risk for a short time.

A lot of times, good attorney/client relationships are based on comfort and trust.  

I would definitely consult with the town building inspector, because every states codes are different ( all based on the same code but some states add or remove, making it there own version) but i'm sure you could use a solid core wood door or a steel plate over a solid wood core ( installing this one in a commercial project in about a week). the closer would be required, but even if you are not required to have a peep hole, you may want to install them, not expensive and it gives your tenants a sense of comfort. 

I feel like most of these units are in dire need of basic updating which I feel comfortable with.

Doesn't have to be local CPA but if that's what you want, then certainly do what's comfortable for you.

Are you comfortable with accepting Section 8? 

That's a new one on me, I set the price for my market where I am comfortable with it and I know it will rent.