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.

Trump’s proposed 2026 HUD cuts have rattled headlines, but Dallas landlords shouldn’t rush to panic. With a decades-long track record of bipartisan support, a strong local housing authority, and sky-high tenant demand, the fundamentals of Section 8 remain steady. While budget battles play out in Washington, the real story for investors is local: smart landlords know this market is a long game, and staying informed—not reactive—is what keeps cash flow strong. In the end, housing is a need that never disappears—and those positioned well stand to weather the storm.

Investing in Dallas real estate offers big opportunities—but it’s not without risk. In this post, I break down the real challenges investors face, from seasonal vacancies and Section 8 payment pressures to maintenance surprises and shifting neighborhoods. Drawing on lessons from my Georgetown MBA and firsthand experience, I share strategies to navigate these risks and explain why, despite it all, I’m still bullish on Dallas.

Every year, we re-run the numbers to make sure our strategy still holds—and this year, Dallas once again came out on top. In our latest multi-metric analysis of the 10 largest U.S. real estate markets, Dallas ranked first overall for long-term investor potential. We looked at population growth, rent yields, housing stock, appreciation, and landlord policy—and Dallas delivered across the board. But beyond the metrics, it’s the city’s consistency, resilience, and investor infrastructure that set it apart. If you’re looking for a data-backed reason to invest with confidence, this is the post you’ll want to read.

Before I check the news or pour my first cup of coffee, I’m already scanning new listings. In just a few minutes, I can usually tell whether a property is worth diving into—or whether it’s better left alone. Over time, I’ve built a quick, reliable process for evaluating investment potential at a glance: from rent-to-price ratio and property condition to flood zones, big-ticket systems, and HOA red flags. This isn’t theory—it’s the same real-world screen I use every morning to identify the best deals for our investors. Here’s how it works—and why it might change how you hunt for your next rental.

Vacancy isn’t just a temporary gap in rent—it’s the single biggest threat to an investor’s bottom line. While costs like taxes and management fees are easy to plan for, a vacant home bleeds money in two directions: zero income and costly turnovers. In this post, we break down how even a single month of vacancy can derail your returns, why timing and tenant care matter, and how Section 8 offers a built-in advantage when it comes to stability. For investors in 2025, reducing downtime isn’t optional—it’s the edge.

Trump’s new tariffs are sending shockwaves through global markets—but in Dallas, they may quietly reshape the real estate landscape. With higher construction costs, labor uncertainty, and fewer new homes hitting the market, investors holding existing properties could find themselves in a stronger position than ever. For those still on the sidelines, this shift could mark the return of serious rental demand—and a window worth watching closely.

Providence Village was once a top-tier target for Section 8 investors—modern homes, rising values, and voucher rents north of $3K/month. But in just a few years, discriminatory HOA rules and a shocking policy reversal from Trump’s HUD have flipped the script. Now, with the federal government backing off enforcement, local politics are calling the shots—and investors need to pay attention. The fallout from this case isn’t just about one neighborhood; it’s a warning about what can happen when landlords stay silent and HOAs go unchecked. In 2025, knowing your HOA’s stance on rentals—and showing up before it’s too late—could be the difference between cash flow and catastrophe.

Federal funding for HUD’s voucher program is flat for 2025, but Dallas-Fort Worth rentals keep their edge. With 31,500–32,000 vouchers locked in across the metroplex, tenant demand stays solid, backed by a program that’s weathered decades of ups and downs since 1974. Real estate’s a long game, and DFW’s growth and stability shine through, even without a funding boost. Flat budgets might pinch waitlists over time, but this market’s fundamentals—sticky rents, population boom—keep it a smart play for investors looking past the headlines.

Stock market volatility has investors looking for stability—could real estate be the answer? Unlike stocks, which react instantly to headlines, home values don’t drop 5% overnight, and rental income remains steady even in uncertain times. In markets like Dallas, strong rental demand and inflation-resistant home values make real estate a compelling investment. While no asset is risk-free, real estate offers control, long-term appreciation, and the ability to adapt—something stock investors don’t always have. If you’re rethinking your investment strategy, now might be the time to consider real estate as a hedge against market chaos.

Seasonality plays a big role in real estate investing, influencing both home prices and rental demand. In Dallas, more homes sell—and more tenants move—in the spring and summer, while the market slows in the fall and winter. This creates a tradeoff for investors: buying in the off-season often means better deals and lower competition, but it may also come with longer vacancies. I’m currently managing a tenant turnover and planning my relisting to take advantage of peak rental demand. If you’re thinking about investing, understanding these seasonal trends can help you time your purchase strategically and maximize returns.

Landlord laws can make or break a real estate investment, and the difference between Texas and tenant-friendly states like Washington, California, or Oregon is striking. In Texas, evictions are fast, rent control doesn’t exist, and landlords have more control over their properties. Meanwhile, cities like Seattle make it nearly impossible to remove non-paying tenants, and some states even force landlords to pay tenants to leave. After selling my properties in Washington due to restrictive laws and weak cash flow, I shifted my investments to Dallas—and the difference has been night and day. Here’s why Texas is a better bet for long-term rental success.

With the return of President Trump, discussions about HUD budget cuts and Section 8 funding have raised concerns among Dallas landlords and investors. But does fewer vouchers mean less demand for rentals? And how should investors adjust their strategy? Despite potential funding changes, Dallas remains a strong market with growing rental demand—and the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA), which has operated for 85+ years, has successfully weathered past shifts in federal policy.