In Austin, there are a few channels that consistently produce off-market opportunities, whether you're targeting entry-level flips in 78745 or mid- to high-end areas like Jester, Westlake, or Barton Creek West.Some of the main sources I see working right now:• Driving for dollars in long-term ownership pockets• Pre-foreclosure + delinquent tax leads• Probate/inherited properties• Networking with local investors + RE agents• Builders offloading lots or heavy fixers quietly• Wholesalers who specialize in distressed or dated SFRs• Tracking aging or deferred-maintenance homesI’m in the Austin market daily and the deal flow has been all over the board lately — everything from heavy value-add homes to infill lots to luxury fixers.Curious what type of project you're aiming for — entry-level flip, mid-range, or something bigger?

As you step into the world of real estate investing and begin shaping your investment strategy, it’s essential to focus early on two often-overlooked foundations: tax planning and asset protection.

The most common reasons for being denied are code violations, unpaid property taxes, illegal use, or missing lead testing for pre-1978 homes.

This is a term lease situation your talking of, so you will want to approach it as a term lease.

Really important not to let the tax tail wag the dog.

From a tax perspective:Rent and Refinance: If you rent out the property, you can deduct expenses like mortgage interest (once you refinance), property management, and depreciation.

@Amy Houghton The STR tax loophole generally does not apply to midterm rentals which are typically leased for 30 days or more.

I have heard both 2 or 3 stays minimum for some weird definition of average, but one 6 day stay is average stay less than 7 days.Note any tax savings is really a tax deferral.  

Are they independently wealthy and never intend to have a job or a bank account or pay taxes or apply for benefits?

If one has a second home in a high-tax state that rents for more than 14 days a year and is used more than 14 days, would it make sense to convert it to a rental property, given the new tax law?