When I first saw the headline that the government had shut down, my mind went to a simple but critical question: will DHA keep paying landlords? The answer lies in how HUD funds local housing authorities. Because dollars are obligated in advance, HAP payments under existing contracts continue to flow, even when HUD staff are furloughed. The real strain comes if a lapse drags on long enough to delay renewals or stall new vouchers, as we saw in the 35-day shutdown of 2019. For Dallas investors, that means short-term turbulence but no change to the long-term fundamentals. Real estate is still the long game, and DHA remains one of the most stable income streams in the market.

They say timing is everything, and in Dallas real estate this fall, that might be true. Realtor.com named October 12–18, 2025 the best week to buy a home nationwide, thanks to swelling inventory, softer prices, and less competition. Here in DFW, the story looks even better: supply is at near 20-year highs and sellers are more willing to negotiate. Add in the often-overlooked holiday move wave, and investors who buy in October could be leasing by Thanksgiving. It is a rare moment when buying conditions and rental demand line up so neatly, making this fall a window worth watching.

Inspections are the gatekeepers of Section 8 cash flow in Dallas. Before a single rent check arrives, an inspector will test locks, click smoke alarm buttons, and check whether the water heater has its safety valve in place. Since COVID, most of this process now happens virtually, which makes preparation more important than ever. The surprising part is that most failures come down to the smallest things: a missing outlet cover, a loose handrail, or a dead battery. With average prep costs of about $750, the difference between passing the first time or waiting weeks for re-inspection can define your returns.

Most of us invest in Dallas real estate for cash flow and appreciation. But every lease we sign with the Housing Choice Voucher program does something more — it changes lives. From families like Ro’chel who used her voucher to buy a home, to kids in DHA’s mobility program now growing up in stronger school districts, the ripple effects are profound. Stable housing reduces poverty, improves health, and boosts educational outcomes. Investing in Dallas means building wealth while helping families thrive.

Something strange is happening in the markets. The Fed is preparing to cut rates, yet long-term Treasury yields are spiking to levels we haven’t seen since 2008. That disconnect is leaving investors confused, especially those who expect mortgage rates to fall in lockstep with Fed policy. The truth is, mortgages follow Treasury yields, and those are rising as the U.S. piles on more debt. In this environment of volatility and mistrust, real estate stands out as a tangible, income-producing asset that also hedges against inflation. With major institutions calling 2025 a generational buying opportunity, it’s worth asking: is now the time to make real estate your safe harbor?

At SolMidas, we’ve built an Opportunity Index to cut through the noise and show investors where Dallas Section 8 markets truly stack up. By blending buyer power, voucher coverage, lease-up speed, and housing age, the index points to the ZIP codes where cash flow and stability align best. Right now, the data highlights strong opportunities in Fort Worth South (76123), the North Fort Worth cluster (76179 & 76052), Arlington South (76018), and Forney (75126). Each balances fundamentals differently — some with speed, others with staying power — but all score above the broader market. This data-driven approach helps investors avoid guesswork and anchor decisions in both numbers and on-the-ground conditions.

Texas just wrapped one of its most consequential legislative sessions in years, and the outcome tilts even further toward property owners. From new transparency rules for HOAs and PIDs to streamlined eviction processes and limits on foreign buyers, the laws passed this year make investing in Dallas real estate more predictable and investor-friendly. They also expand housing supply by easing lot size and zoning restrictions, keeping Texas ahead of the curve as demand grows. For investors, the message is clear: the framework is getting stronger, not weaker.

The Dallas Section 8 market is in transition. Inventory is rising, voucher mobility is limited, and tenants are becoming more selective about where and how they rent. While this has led to longer lease-up times in some areas, it has also created exceptional buying opportunities, especially for 4-bedroom homes under $300K in fast-growing suburbs. Understanding these shifts — from DHA’s tighter rent approvals to sharper seasonal swings — is key to securing strong, long-term returns.

In a market full of uncertainty, investors are asking what still works when headlines shift weekly and forecasts prove unreliable. For me, real estate isn’t a silver bullet. It’s a steady source of income, control, and long-term value that complements other assets in my portfolio. This post explores why I continue to invest in Dallas, how Section 8 adds a layer of reliability, and what risks I watch closely. From rising insurance costs to HUD rent pressures, I cover both sides of the equation. Real estate may not be perfect, but in today’s environment, it’s one of the few strategies that still lets me sleep at night.

North Dallas is getting a new commercial airport—and that’s about to reshape everything. McKinney National is already fueling jobs and development, but once flights begin in 2026, the surrounding towns could see a real estate boom. In this post, we break down what the “airport effect” actually means, where the real opportunity lies, and why cities like Anna, Princeton, and Melissa are worth a closer look. If you’ve been waiting for the next wave of Dallas growth, this is the signal investors shouldn’t miss.

While headlines warn of slowing sales and falling prices, Dallas is telling a different story. Suburban rental demand is surging, development is pushing north, and long-term fundamentals remain strong. This post looks beyond the fear and breaks down why investor-grade real estate in DFW still works — even in a market with fewer buyers. If you’re focused on cash flow and long-term upside, now is the time to lean in.

Housing scarcity isn’t just about money, it’s about policy. In Abundance, Ezra Klein explains how overregulation, NIMBYism, and bureaucratic gridlock have stifled growth across much of the U.S., especially in blue states. But Texas, and Dallas in particular, is charting a different course. From fast permitting to pro-landlord policies and a Section 8 program that actively partners with investors, Dallas is proving that abundance is possible. This post explores how policy, growth, and investor mindset intersect — and why Dallas may be America’s best-kept real estate secret.

Sales held mostly steady this June across Dallas, but leasing times rose noticeably, even as rents stayed near peak levels. SolMidas investors will want to look closely at the local city and zip code data — not all submarkets are moving the same. With builder competition, voucher program freezes, and renters staying put longer, success comes down to understanding what’s real — and what’s noise. We’ve pulled the data, so you don’t have to.

When one of my rental properties turned into a short-term headache—tenant eviction, bug infestation, negative cash flow—I almost gave up. But a few years later, it’s now one of my top performers. In this week’s post, I break down why long-term thinking beats short-term reactions, especially in the Section 8 space. We’ll walk through the math, the mindset, and the moments when it’s still smart to sell. If you’re playing the 10+ year game, this one’s for you.

Recent ICE raids and labor protests across Texas have put fresh pressure on the construction workforce—and that stress is starting to show in the Dallas housing market. From builder incentives to maintenance delays, investors are navigating a more complicated landscape than the headlines suggest. In this post, we break down what’s really happening behind the scenes and how it could affect your next move. Whether you’re buying new or holding steady, understanding these labor dynamics is key to staying ahead.

Most real estate investors start with one property—but what happens after that? In this week’s post, I dive into what I’ve learned from managing properties across Texas, Missouri, and Tennessee about the right number of doors to own. From reducing risk and maximizing cash flow to unlocking tax benefits and negotiating better property management fees, scaling your portfolio isn’t just about more—it’s about smarter. I also share how I think about real estate as a percentage of total assets, and what experts recommend. If you’re thinking about property #2 (or #5), don’t miss this one.

A few weeks ago, we discovered something unusual while screening a strong Section 8 applicant—her housing voucher didn’t cover the rent we expected. That small discrepancy led us to uncover a bigger shift: the Dallas Housing Authority has frozen HAP amounts for voluntary moves in 2025. While this could shrink the tenant pool short-term, it’s not the red flag some may fear. We spoke directly with DHA insiders and are sharing what this change really means—and why Dallas still holds strong long-term potential for smart investors.

The Dallas real estate map is changing—and fast. As prices rise and inventory tightens closer to the city, families and builders are looking north and east to towns like Princeton, Royse City, and Celina. But where there’s growth, there isn’t always rental demand—especially for Section 8 housing. This week, we break down the next wave of suburban expansion, what’s driving it (hint: jobs and affordability), and how to identify smart investment zones that work for both appreciation and consistent rent checks. Fort Worth gets a look too, as a quieter but powerful alternative. If you’re watching the edges of the map, this one’s for you.

Mortgage rates are back on the rise — but the story goes deeper than Fed policy. Behind the recent jump lies bond market volatility and investor demand for higher yields, which directly impact long-term borrowing costs. In this post, I unpack what’s really driving rates, how it’s cooling the traditional housing market, and why Dallas still offers opportunity — especially for investors focused on cash flow, long-term growth, and single-family rentals under FHA limits. If you’re wondering whether now is the time to act or wait, this breakdown will give you the context and clarity to move forward with confidence.

I used to own a $700K rental in Seattle—until the numbers (and the laws) no longer made sense. From rising operating costs to new statewide rent control, the regulatory landscape kept tightening. So I sold and reinvested in two Dallas-area properties instead—each producing stronger cash flow and fewer headaches. In this post, I walk through both deals in detail, including taxes, rent caps, eviction rules, and appreciation trends. If you’re weighing where to invest next, this side-by-side story may give you clarity.