I would recommend while you're searching for a good broker you develop a set of preferred criteria you're seeking.

 Targeting 3-9 deals within a $100K-$500K price range over the next 18-24 months.  Any great advice for a newbie (especially on topics directly applicable to the Houston market) would be much appreciated!  :)  

I’d be happy to assist in pulling comps for you if you don’t have an agent you’re working with.

I would love to seek the guidance of some of the more experienced fellow investors and/or a professional on whether we can take advantage of this rule?

And/or make it part of the purchase price (buyer back assistance), thus making it part of the loan (if it's still appraises for the value, down payment and no problem from the lender).3.

I have sufficient funds for a 20% downpayment, but am debating if it might make sense to use an FHA loan only and put 3-10% down instead to keep some funds available for seeking out future deals.Loan would probably be in the $400k range, which means3.5% = $14,00010% (MIPS for 10 years) = $40,00020% (no PMI) = $80,000Of course I'd take the 0.88% PMI hit by going FHA which really annoys me given that interest rates are rising already. 

I'll do my best to be of assistance.

Tandem coffee in Portland Maine is the type of coffee destination that I seek out when traveling.

Seek a mentor in your area that can lead you to good contractors.

I think if you tie the money you're seeking to the real estate (mortgage, hard money), there will have to be a lot more evaluation than can be done in a few days.