@Marie Andererson I have not. Right now mostly focused on section 8, but city I live in has big debate right now about VASH being requirement for landlords with more than 5 properties

Ask Realtor and local from other things have heard talk with local banks and credit unions...they many times have more interest in community.

Nathan...my none expirenced advice would be to get on Google and find a plumber. Facebook also many times has "contractor in xyz city" groups. From what I have learned from Joseph is at least have a handyman or two in the market you are investing in. Many times they can be provided by realtor.

Here was the response when I pressed one of the local investors about why using Nspire is bad for landlords. They compare it to Texas property code vs has NSPIRE is much more strict than HQS. Below is a cross reference of the most commonly failed items in HQS inspections compared to Texas Property Code. I will add that historically, the HQS inspectors are incredibly inconsistent. Chapter 92’s repair obligations are narrower than HQS — the landlord’s duty under §92.052 only kicks in for conditions that “materially affect the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant” (or that arise from the landlord’s failure to provide required devices like smoke alarms and security devices). Here’s what HQS flags that Chapter 92 does not require: GFCI outlets. Texas has no statutory requirement to install or maintain GFCIs. Building code requires them at time of construction or major renovation, but Chapter 92 doesn’t make a missing GFCI a repair obligation unless you can argue it materially affects safety — and tenants rarely litigate this. Outlet/switch covers, reverse polarity, double-tapped breakers. Not addressed in Chapter 92. Could fall under §92.052 if it rises to a safety hazard, but no specific statutory duty. Window screens. Texas law doesn’t require screens at all. HQS wants intact screens; Chapter 92 is silent. Window locks on accessible windows. §92.153 requires a security device (typically a keyed deadbolt or sliding door pin lock) on exterior doors and a window latch on each exterior window — but the standard is a basic latch, not the more functional locking mechanism HQS expects. HQS is stricter on operability. Windows that won’t stay open. Not a Chapter 92 issue. HQS treats this as a ventilation/egress concern. Handrails and guardrails. Texas property code doesn’t mandate handrails on interior stairs or guardrails on elevated porches. Building code does at construction, but Chapter 92 won’t force retrofit unless there’s a safety claim. Heat in every habitable room. Chapter 92 doesn’t require the landlord to provide heat at all unless the lease includes it. HQS requires adequate heat regardless of what the lease says.

Completely understandable. The problems arise when the properties are held to code. The initial inspector flags things, the owner fixes those things, then the next inspector fails the property again for a completely different list of things. If the property owner enters the program voluntarily, we can do a walk through to make sure a property is at to HQS/NSPIRE standards so that time off market is minimized. To do this retroactively makes no sense and causes major delays for occupancy. Other approaches like pre-inspections have been addressed through REACH and COSA Vouches. That’s what we can do locally. We can take the rest up with the state. It’s a truly flawed system from the federal level down and I would love to see it through in my lifetime that we can get it corrected.

Use this template to introduce yourself in the community! 🙋‍♂️ About Me: - Name: Jaye Howell - Location: [City/State] - Current Profession/Background: Data Engineer 🏡 My Real Estate Journey: - Experience Level: Beginner - Biggest Challenge Right Now: Dont know what I am doing, risk of losing money - Main Goal in Real Estate: Replace income to retire 💡 Why I Joined This Community: Learn from other and feel more confident in making a decision to move forward. 🔥 Fun Fact About Me: Have been to 48 state and multiple countries

@Michael Keelan welcome...in San Antonio also.