I think it's perfectly rational for some folks to make the choice that they'd rather put the level of commitment, time, and energy needed for REI success into something else, and keep funding that IRA themselves.

You have a larger vision than me.

If you are an out of state buyer, or even an out of area buyer from one of the other larger cities in Texas, I would love to speak with you.

The problem with not living in it is down payment will be substantially larger.

Yes, your household income is taken into consideration, but a larger pot of income means greater loan amount approved.  

Install them only where most of your heating energy goes and leave electric heating for the other rooms.

The larger the better. 

I don't want leverage on my home so I can take larger risks outside of my home with clear conscience that if it all folds, I have something to fall back upon.

I just want to do it while I'm still young and still have the energy and vigor to source deals and the risk tolerance to invest in a little riskier neighborhood for a greater return.  

I have been interviewing all of the larger brokerages, and I think I have decided on one.