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.