Ultimately, I realized I didn't want a side hustle, I just wanted strong returns on my money. 

After setting aside 30% for taxes, it’s up to you how you split the remaining $35,000.

Some duplex units are set up as zero lot line properties where instead of owning one unit in a 2-unit condo association and the condo assoc. owns the building, you actually own your half of the building and land. 

what websites you use for perfects notifications and alerts without glitches. i like to set up daily alerts on say sfh properties from 100k-150k withing specific city, county, zip code where property built year 2000 and later not older like that

If possible, use seller financing as it is more flexible and will cost far less to set up than a traditional lender. 

I have approximately 65k saved but want to make sure I have the 30k set aside for the first property to finance an emergency.

Even moving a few miles outside downtown Austin can lower costs while keeping strong rental potential.Down payment savings: Make sure the money you’re setting aside for a down payment is in an account that’s earning interest, like a high-yield savings account or even a CD, depending on your timeline.

It’s still possible to scale, it just takes more intentional operations and less “set it and forget it.”Happy to connect and chat more about it!

What should I set as my CoCROI goal?

From a tax standpoint, like Jason mentioned since you’ve chosen not to do a 1031, you’ll owe capital gains tax and depreciation recapture on the sale and setting aside the estimated $266K for taxes in a high-yield savings account is probably the smartest move.