New Investor Need Advice

Austin, Texas
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New Investor Need Advice

Nicolas DeLuca
Austin, TX · Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 3 votes

I’m 24 and recently moved to Austin, TX on a TN visa, working full time as an engineer. I’m looking to purchase my first long term rental property and start building a portfolio, focusing mainly on Austin and the surrounding metro area.

A little background on me, I have over $100K USD in savings, around a 790 credit score, and recently leased a car with a payment of about $375/month. My girlfriend is also working full time as an engineer, and we’re currently paying around $2,500/month in rent for our place in downtown Austin.

For those investing in real estate in 2026, if you were in my shoes, what would your first step be? Should I start talking to lenders, find an investor friendly agent, narrow down specific areas, or just start analyzing as many deals as possible?

I’m also new to the Austin area and would love to connect with other local investors. If anyone is open to grabbing a coffee sometime and chatting about real estate and their experience investing around Austin, I’d definitely be interested!

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Michael Eskenasy
Investor · Pacific Northwest · Member since 2026 · 511 posts · 287 votes
1w

Your first step should be financing constraints before property hunting.

With strong credit and cash, you’re starting from a good position, but your TN visa status may change which loan programs/lenders are actually available to you. I’d get that box defined first: down payment, reserves, DTI treatment, owner-occupied vs investment, and what documentation they’ll require.

Then build a very tight Austin buy box and analyze only deals that fit it. Otherwise you’ll burn time underwriting properties you can’t or shouldn’t buy.

That’s how our system looks at it: capital box first, property box second, deal flow third.

Feel free to connect. We’ve been doing a lot around matching real deals against actual lender criteria.

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  • Michael Eskenasy
    Investor · Pacific Northwest · Member since 2026 · 511 posts · 287 votes
    1w

    Your first step should be financing constraints before property hunting.

    With strong credit and cash, you’re starting from a good position, but your TN visa status may change which loan programs/lenders are actually available to you. I’d get that box defined first: down payment, reserves, DTI treatment, owner-occupied vs investment, and what documentation they’ll require.

    Then build a very tight Austin buy box and analyze only deals that fit it. Otherwise you’ll burn time underwriting properties you can’t or shouldn’t buy.

    That’s how our system looks at it: capital box first, property box second, deal flow third.

    Feel free to connect. We’ve been doing a lot around matching real deals against actual lender criteria.

    1Reply
  • Brad SeidBusiness Member
    Lender · Licensed in 28 States · Member since 2026 · 122 posts · 30 votes
    6d

    @Nicolas DeLuca With your savings and credit profile, I’d definitely start by talking with a lender early so you know exactly what you can qualify for before analyzing deals. I’d be happy to help you explore your lending options and see what might work for your first rental. Feel free to reach out!

    [email protected]248-408-3855
    West Capital Lending5122 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Andrew Kouri
    Rental Property Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2020 · 9 posts · 5 votes
    6d

    Also define what your goals are... equity appreciation? Cash flow? Austin's a pretty terrible place to be a landlord right now - high property taxes combined with negative equity appreciation and low rents are not a formula for success in this business.

    1Reply
  • Stevan Stojakovic
    Financial Advisor · FL · Member since 2024 · 441 posts · 99 votes
    6d

    Welcome to Nicolas!

    To answer your question directly: your very first step should be talking to a lender.

    Because you are targeting an investment property and are currently on a TN visa, you will want to look at business-purpose financing, specifically a DSCR loan. These loans rely on the property's rental income potential rather than your personal W-2 income or debt-to-income ratio. Once you know exactly how a lender will structure your capital, you can hand a real estate agent your precise criteria and start analyzing real deals. Feel free to reach out directly for any help you might need on zour REI journey!

    1Reply
  • Diana Khan
    Attorney · 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117 · Member since 2024 · 300 posts · 113 votes
    6d
    Quote from @Nicolas DeLuca:

    I’m 24 and recently moved to Austin, TX on a TN visa, working full time as an engineer. I’m looking to purchase my first long term rental property and start building a portfolio, focusing mainly on Austin and the surrounding metro area.

    A little background on me, I have over $100K USD in savings, around a 790 credit score, and recently leased a car with a payment of about $375/month. My girlfriend is also working full time as an engineer, and we’re currently paying around $2,500/month in rent for our place in downtown Austin.

    For those investing in real estate in 2026, if you were in my shoes, what would your first step be? Should I start talking to lenders, find an investor friendly agent, narrow down specific areas, or just start analyzing as many deals as possible?

    I’m also new to the Austin area and would love to connect with other local investors. If anyone is open to grabbing a coffee sometime and chatting about real estate and their experience investing around Austin, I’d definitely be interested!

    Welcome to BP, @Nicolas DeLuca! If I were starting in a new market again, I would not try to learn all of Austin at once. I would pick one or two areas, learn what homes actually rent for, how long they sit, what the property taxes and insurance look like, and what kind of tenant demand is really there. I’ve seen new investors spend a lot of time analyzing deals without first knowing what a good deal in that specific area should look like.

    I would also protect some of that cash instead of thinking of the full $100K as money available for the purchase. Your first property can teach you a lot, and having reserves makes it much easier to handle repairs, vacancy, or surprises without feeling pressure. Once you know your financing limits and have a simple buy box, then start looking at deals that actually fit it. I’d be glad to stay connected, Nicolas. I always enjoy following people who are getting started thoughtfully and building one step at a time.

    1Reply
    • Nicolas DeLuca
      OP
      Austin, TX · Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 3 votes
      6d

      Hi Diana,

      It would be a pleasure to connect. Me and my gf are really serious about making a calculated bet on our future.

      Thank you so much for your advice :)

      0Reply
  • Erik EstradaBusiness Member
    Lender · Member since 2022 · 6k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6d

    This is a great position to be in to partner up with an investor active in the industry. Sharing the risk and learning is a smoother transition than just going all in by yourself and taking all the hit if something goes wrong..

    [email protected]818-269-7983
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    1Reply
  • Aaron Gordy
    Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6d

    There are local lenders that will work with TN. That would be the first step. This is a great time to be buying btw.

    1Reply
    • Nicolas DeLuca
      OP
      Austin, TX · Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 3 votes
      6d

      Hey Aaron, thank you for your response :)

      What makes you feel this is a great time to be buying? Are all of your properties in Austin?

      Thanks again brother!

      0Reply
    • Aaron Gordy
      Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      6d

      I am in Austin and the suburbs. We are coming out of the bottom of the real estate cycle. Occupancy is leveling out and is picking up in some submarkets. Supply of new rental development has decreased substantially. Less landlord incentives . Unemployment super low. Many folks still moving to the metro. Interest rates increasing making it harder for people to buy homes creating more renters...etc.etc

      1Reply
    • Nicolas DeLuca
      OP
      Austin, TX · Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 3 votes
      5d

      Smart man! Thank you for the insight.

      0Reply
  • James KonvalinkaBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 22 posts · 9 votes
    6d

    Nicolas, once you've confirmed financing, have an agent pull recently leased comps for a few properties in the same Austin submarket, including days on market and any concessions. Then rerun each deal with one extra month of vacancy and a lower rent so you can see how much cushion you actually have before you start touring.

    [email protected]847-736-7804
    1Reply
    • Nicolas DeLuca
      OP
      Austin, TX · Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 3 votes
      6d

      Hey James, you are spitting fire with that advice. This is extremely helpful and getting the right RE agent on my team is a good first step.

      Thanks again man!

      1Reply
    • James KonvalinkaBusiness Member
      Real Estate Agent · Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 22 posts · 9 votes
      6d

      Of course! If you ever want to go over some opportunities here in Austin I would be more than happy to help show you what I am doing with some of my clients to help them build their rental portfolios.

      [email protected]847-736-7804
      1Reply
    • Nicolas DeLuca
      OP
      Austin, TX · Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 3 votes
      6d

      Yeah sounds good man!

      Is 847-736-7804 your number?

      Do you also work with properties in the Austin Metro Area?

      0Reply
  • Arman AhmedPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 904 votes
    6d
    Quote from @Nicolas DeLuca:

    I’m 24 and recently moved to Austin, TX on a TN visa, working full time as an engineer. I’m looking to purchase my first long term rental property and start building a portfolio, focusing mainly on Austin and the surrounding metro area.

    A little background on me, I have over $100K USD in savings, around a 790 credit score, and recently leased a car with a payment of about $375/month. My girlfriend is also working full time as an engineer, and we’re currently paying around $2,500/month in rent for our place in downtown Austin.

    For those investing in real estate in 2026, if you were in my shoes, what would your first step be? Should I start talking to lenders, find an investor friendly agent, narrow down specific areas, or just start analyzing as many deals as possible?

    I’m also new to the Austin area and would love to connect with other local investors. If anyone is open to grabbing a coffee sometime and chatting about real estate and their experience investing around Austin, I’d definitely be interested!

    With your savings and credit, I’d start by talking to a few lenders while analyzing deals at the same time. That’ll give you a realistic price range and help you understand what actually cash flows. If Austin numbers feel too tight, I’d also compare some Midwest markets before locking yourself into one area. Ohio can offer a much lower entry point and is worth putting on your radar for long-term rentals.

    [email protected]614-418-6081
    0Reply
  • Nicholas FloydBusiness Member
    NY · Member since 2026 · 166 posts · 56 votes
    6d

    Nicolas, with your savings and credit profile, you’re starting from a strong position. Since you’re on a TN visa, I’d probably make one of your first moves talking with a few investor-friendly lenders so you know exactly what financing programs you qualify for before getting too far into a deal.

    At the same time, I’d narrow down your buy box, learn the neighborhoods you’re targeting, and start analyzing deals consistently so you understand what actually cash flows after taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and financing.

    I’d also avoid putting all $100K into the purchase. Keeping liquidity for reserves, repairs, and future opportunities can be just as important as the down payment. I work in the business funding space, so I also help investors look at options like business lines of credit and 0% APR business credit cards for certain business expenses when it makes sense, which can help preserve cash.

    You’re definitely asking the right questions this early.

    0Reply
  • Gregory AcsPro Member
    Lender · MD · Member since 2025 · 133 posts · 52 votes
    6d

    You're in a strong position to get started. With your savings and credit score, I'd start by talking to a few lenders so you understand your financing options and buying power, then begin analyzing deals in the areas you're interested in. Having a clear budget and financing plan makes it much easier to recognize a good opportunity when it comes along.

    I'd also recommend building your team early, especially an investor-friendly agent and lender who understand your long-term goals, not just this first purchase. If you'd like to compare financing options or walk through what your first investment could realistically look like, I'd be happy to help. Good luck, and welcome to Austin!

    0Reply
  • Denise SuppleeBusiness Member
    Realtor · Willow Grove, PA · Member since 2017 · 963 posts · 636 votes
    6d

    You’re actually starting from a really good place. At 24, with good savings, strong credit, and a stable income, you have time on your side. I’d start by building relationships with a good lender and an investor-friendly agent who knows the Austin market.

    I’d also spend a lot of time looking at properties before feeling like you have to buy. Learn what rents are, what expenses really look like, and what neighborhoods make sense for your goals. The first property is a big learning experience, so take your time and make sure the numbers work before jumping in.

    Spark Rental Co-Investing Club576 Reviews
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    0Reply
  • Maurizio PisciottaPro Member
    Delray Beach, FL · Member since 2024 · 22 posts · 10 votes
    5d

    You’re in a really good position for 24, so congrats on that!

    Austin is obviously a pretty expensive market, so my first step would be talking to 2–3 lenders and seeing what you actually qualify for. Even if they tell you that you can afford X, I wouldn’t go anywhere near the max on your first property. Leave yourself some breathing room..

    I’d also talk with a couple investor-friendly agents and make sure they really understand the specific areas you’re considering, especially since you’re still new to Austin.

    Personally I’d look at house hacking or a duplex if the numbers make sense. It can be a good way to lower your housing cost while getting your first rental experience.

    And yes, analyze as many deals as you can. That’s honestly one of the fastest ways to learn what a good deal looks like vs something that just looks good at first glance. You can use the BiggerPockets calculators, Navikoo, or really any tool you’re comfortable with.

    Biggest thing: don’t rush it :) your first purchase is important, and there will always be another deal!

    1Reply
  • Ashish AcharyaBusiness Member
    CPA, CFP®, PFS · FL · Member since 2017 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4d

    Nicolas, you’re in a strong position to start learning the Austin market without having to rush into the first deal.

    If I were in your shoes, I’d do three things in parallel: talk to lenders so you know your real buying power, narrow down a few submarkets, and start underwriting actual deals every week. That will teach you much faster than waiting until you feel “ready.”

    With $100K saved and a solid credit profile, I'd still be careful not to deploy all of that into the down payment. I'd keep a meaningful reserve for repairs, vacancy, CapEx, and surprises after closing.

    For the property itself, I'd focus on realistic rent, taxes, insurance, HOA, vacancy, maintenance, management, and debt service. In Austin especially, I would not rely on appreciation to make a weak deal work. The property should make sense under today's numbers first.

    From the tax side, once the rental is placed in service, depreciation begins. Cost segregation may also be worth evaluating depending on the property, but I’d first make sure the losses are actually useful in your tax situation.

    Since you’re on a TN visa, I’d also make sure your CPA understands your immigration/tax residency situation before you buy, because cross-border and residency rules can affect how the income is reported.

    Feel free to DM me, I’d be happy to send over a few resources that might help you analyze your first Austin rental.

    [email protected]941-914-7779
    INVESTOR FRIENDLY CPA®5241 Reviews
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    0Reply
    • Nicolas DeLuca
      OP
      Austin, TX · Member since 2026 · 8 posts · 3 votes
      19h

      Hey Ashish, thank you for the advice!

      Have you worked with people on visas before that do rentals?

      0Reply
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