California to Texas: Getting Started in Real Estate Investing

Your architecture/engineering/construction background is a real advantage, but I’d be careful not to let it push you toward deals just because the physical problem looks solvable.

In DFW, I’d learn the things that can overwhelm even a well-executed rehab: property-tax resets, insurance cost, foundation movement, drainage, flood exposure, permitting, title problems, liens, HOA/deed restrictions, and what the finished product will actually sell for on that specific block.

For auctions and distressed properties especially, I would not start with “how cheap can we buy it?” I’d start with what survives the purchase. Confirm title, occupancy, redemption rights where applicable, taxes, municipal issues, liens, utilities, and whether you can actually get possession and execute the plan you underwrote.

The construction estimate is often the part people with your background will get right. The expensive surprises tend to come from legal condition, financing/holding time, taxes, insurance, and the exit assumption.

I’d also avoid making appreciation the thesis just because you moved into a growing Texas market. Buy something that works under today’s numbers and treat future appreciation as upside.

Your first few deals should probably be boring enough that your professional skill gives you extra margin rather than forcing you to use every bit of it just to save the deal.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.