Moving to Austin and have $30k to use. What are potential investment approaches?

[Bryan Zavala]

I plan to move to Austin in Q3 of 2023. I have $30k to work with and I'm not really sure what the best approach would be to effectively invest in real estate. My overall objective is to have my own space (I have a toddler), while also getting into real estate investing. I have considered the following: 

1. Purchasing a duplex / triplex / multi-family and living in one and having a tenant (s) in the other. 

2. Purchasing a home and renting it out. I would rent an apartment in this case. 

Frankly, these seem challenging from the financial side. Are there other ideas out there? What about financing options? 

I can make a $2000 / month mortgage work with my current salary (if this information helps). 

Any help, advice, or information to help navigate this would be much appreciated. I am also open to speaking with folks who know the area and its current market state well. 

Thanks!

Bryan