[Serious] Suggestions for the best way to get familiar with real estate in Houston?

I'm a Houston native who recently relocated back here after 17 years in CA. I have been living in my parents' place for the past 9 months, and they are well-intentioned people and wonderful grandparents, but if I do not GTFO ASAP, I will possibly go off the deep end.

Problem is, I have no idea where or how to even start looking for a place as I am totally overwhelmed. Lots of leasing and real estate agents I've stumbled across online seem to be working on commission and all about the hustle (not in a good way). I don't know where to find an agent or broker who would actually have my best interests at heart. I also have no idea what neighborhood would suit me (I spent >15 years in San Francisco and am experiencing some serious cultural shock), and if I buy, I would like it to be an investment with a nice ROR in the next 5 years. If I rent, would prefer a smaller complex (in SF, I lived in a walkup with just 6 units).

I'm in my late 30s with an SO and an 11-month-old, and looking or a 2BR/2BA at the minimum. Open either to buying a place (600-700K tops) or to renting a place for the time being ($3300/mo max). Would prefer to live in Houston proper, within 30 minutes of 59/Beltway 8 (where my folks reside). I don't need a mansion or anything flashy. Safety is a must. Walkability is a big plus. Galleria traffic and Uptown douchey-ness are a big no.

Thoughts? Recommendations for where to go to start? Thoughts on quaint streets or neighborhoods that will be a good ROI in 5 years? Suggestions for apartment complexes to check out? Leasing agents who don't work on commission? Realtor recommendations?

I'll take 'em all. Thank you in advance, good people.