I also dont want to pay their oil heat for them in full as they seem to like keeping the house very warm (based on their oil consumption patterns last year).

I recently heard on one of the podcasts to look in places that are building new shopping centers, Starbucks, chick-fil-a's, as those commercial investors have already done the research.. they know whats coming.If you aren't looking to purchase somewhere in a newer area, I recommend the Sugar Land area. it's expensive but if you look closer to Stafford / Missouri city I think you would be surprised what's out there. 59 is a quick route to downtown from Sugar Land.

That being said we used to be in a cool bungalow in Sugar House District.

I am curious to your thoughts on the areas surrounding South 59 that are close to sugar land.

Immediately usable, fresh, and ready for consumption, but more expensive than if you made it at home.Because I could find enough deals around me that fit my criteria (50% rule), I never really considered the option, but I have been intrigued particularly for out of state purchases.It still seems a little daunting, but your questions have beat the bushes and delivered some really intelligent, encouraging responses. 

Water leaks and gas to heat water leaks are big thief's and you should be concerned about water consumption. 

I am a huge believer in sugars, so I always follow up nice, because things do get lost in cyber space.

@Andrew S.Unless Even if the other units have ducting outside of the conditioned space, I fully expect the OP will see a substantial difference in utility consumption to maintain the living space at the same temperature as the others.However, before ripping out and relocating the present furnace, it may be possible to encase it in a heavily insulated box and thereby mitigate some of the loss presently experienced.

Our preference is to have folks accountable for their own consumption.   

My bet is on a 450 pound welfare baby momma smoker with her sex offender sugar daddy over at all hours of the day and night.