Those 15% down DSCR loans seem to be making a comeback and while the price adjustments are not great, they are better than they were in the past 2 years, and they are becoming more and more common again. 

What you’re running into is very common with Section 8.

Markets in the Midwest tend to work well for this because acquisition prices and rehab costs leave more margin for error.

In the SF Bay Area was quite common actually when your purchase price pre rehab was 1 to 2 mil and rehab 200 to 500k.. so downpayments tend to be 500k or more so lots of gap funding there. 

Not a political statement just, common sense.  

•What price ranges are most common right now in Houston?

Do you have errors & omissions insurance and general liability coverage?

This is a very common issue with new landlords, so you’re not alone.First, check your lease language.

I charged a $50/pet fee (common I saw on here) but they all disappeared because of that fee.

But keep in mind the costs are high and cash flow may be tight, so your returns might be smaller unless you’re doing some creative financing or leveraging VA loan benefits.A common approach for someone like you:Use a local property for house hacking if you can get good value and it fits your timeline.Simultaneously explore turnkey out-of-state rentals in cash-flow-friendly markets for long-term hold.Build a network of trusted property managers, property source providers, and contractors before you move - this is key for out-of-state success.It really comes down to whether your priority is convenience and simplicity now (house hack locally) or building long-term, higher cash-flow assets (turnkey rentals out of state).Always happy to chat more about what's worked for other investors in similar situations.