There will always be people who want to physically hand you an app and app fee. 

I now only purchase properties in close proximity to where I live.

. - population, property types, property values, proximity of the nearest big city, state laws, etc).

A few places I've looked at (not physically but online) are Waco and Trenton.

This kinda goes against the idea that proximity to work is a major factor to your expenses (a la Set For Life), but in Houston you have to drive to get anywhere regardless.Any advice or help is appreciated.

Some investors only invest in Stocks, while other investors love to invest in things they can physically touch such as Real Estate assets. 

I am a physical therapist and have come across better opportunities that will allow me to travel.

There seems to be a pretty wide margin between old rundown but still expensive  duplexes (due to proximity to city center) vs more modern still extremely expensive duplexes (due to a combination of things).  

With the exception of places like "guide dog for the blind" and other agencies that train true service dogs for the physically disabled people there is essentially no governing bodies or qualifications that have to be passed to get labeled a "service dog".

My second home is about 1.5 hours away from the first and is also a smaller 3br/2ba house which I got for a steal of a deal, its in a "transitioning" neighborhood though which is close to a growing and gentrifying city center with close proximity to parks and a very large trail system.