re: Rent or Buy?

Honestly, it's going to be hard to find a good house for $150k in the Dallas area. It can be done, but there aren't a lot of options with safe neighborhoods and good schools. The uppity neighborhoods have crazy high real estate prices.

I would recommend looking in the Arlington area. There are good neighborhoods there that fit better within your price range. I could give you more detailed info on the Fort Worth area but that's an hour from Dallas with morning traffic.

I say buy a house, but obviously you know your situation better than anyone else. The real estate market is in really good shape for the metroplex, so if you can afford it, it's a good investment.

Lastly, I'd be wary about taking $50k from a family member. Once again, it's your business but I've heard a lot of horror stories of broken relationships over unpaid debts; and none of them ever thought it would happen to them. Good luck.