If you buy at or near that price point your getting into areas where homeowners buy.. and you can hope for and expect some upward movement in value and have better liquidity since your exit is not solely another investor like yourself. 

We are seeing that here in ATL- there is a HUGE "hipster movement" in the in- town neighborhoods that are gentrifying.

Instead of developing marketable skills, get a job at a fast food restaurant and join the Right to 15 movement.3.

Canyon Lake is a very small town and from what I can tell there has not been any political movement to stop it though you are right - that can change at any moment.

In the winter time it's a small percentage slower than the summer time but still lots of movement into the area during Christmas break so the kids can be in Katy ISD by spring. however what I will warn you about is the type of market that Houston and especially Katy is in right now.