Would you pay this person for 3 hours of work if they performed this particular task for 3 hours?

You need photos that stand out and align with the AI-driven algorithm prioritizing listings in popular categories.The 5 Must-Have Photos for Airbnb ListingsI have tested hundreds of photos and analyzed which listings perform best.

Otherwise the towns in the area have some pretty reasonably priced homes that seem to perform well relative to price. 

Would be very interested in anyone's thoughts or advise!!

We don't have a clue how to advise you until you state your state. :-) Starting local, where you can drive to the property and return in the same day, is the best when you are first starting out.  

We are looking for a real estate agent who can actively represent and advise us on a home purchase in North Houston.  

I can build cheaper than buying similar, no unknown issues as I perform most of the work, and have 12%-16% CoC returns a year after completion.

Quote from @Charles Kennedy: Is it worth starting out with smaller non-performing notes (under $50K balance), or do you only really see value when you scale into larger pools?

Any advice on preferred property layouts or amenities that perform best in this sub-market (for example, decks, hot tub, lake view, or easy winter access)?

My company purchases non performing loans from banks secured by commercial real estate with high equity.