Do not dismiss the "encouragement factor" that you will derive, simply by being around people who are already doing the exact same thing, that you are trying to do.  

If you get lucky you may be dealing with a hobby landlord or simply negligent landlord that has not keep his rents at market.

Sometimes, it's simply "over-priced for its condition".

Such a vehicle is designed to operate from a tax perspective exactly like any other IRA, and simply opens up your investment choices to include things like real estate.  

Is it simply just an I.O.U. and keeping track yourself of who you owe money or does it still require to undergo written contract agreement?

Your mother could simply pay you as an independent contractor as well and provide you and the government with a 1099.

Either the market sucks that bad right now, you aren't really the crown jewel, or the area doesn't care abut or simply can't support crown jewels.

Simply put, points are prepaid interest on the loan.

Saying they are the highest in the country, with the exception of New Jersey is about as ridiculous as saying all of Michigan is a gang infested slum, simply because parts of Detroit are.Also, Texas State sales tax is 6.25%, with local cities and municipalities adding on top, but it is capped by the state at 8.25%.  

Nathan, if they are the old 1980's/1990s' wood, I have had luck just cleaning/deglossing with TSP (cuts all past oils/dirt from kitchen) and a scrub sponge (use rough side), rinse and then go with Polyshades (stain/poly in one).