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.

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.

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.