Investing in Austin/San Antonio TX

[Thomas O'Donnell]

What's up BP fam! I'm curious, for those of you who invest in or know the Austin and San Antonio real estate markets, what are the main differences you see? I currently live in CA but plan on moving to one of these cities to invest. I will hopefully be taking a trip out this summer to get a feel of the areas, but it is hard to fully understand the market without actually being from there. I would love to connect with those of you who know these markets or currently invest in them. I'm looking to get my first rental property via house-hacking, and try to grow exponentially over time by using Brandon Turner's Stack Method. 

Some questions I have (even though there are many more): which market has the most competition right now? which market has the better cash flow/appreciation? Is one market due to outgrow the other? What are some complications I might face when starting out in either of these markets? I plan on doing small multifamily, is this better in one market vs. the other?

All responses are greatly appreciated and I look forward to connecting with some of you!

[David Sandvig]

With Austin, the upside for appreciation is higher, but cash flow is almost non-existent. I acquired two duplexes last year in Austin/the Austin area that are barely in the green with cash flow (but they are both in the green even with a significant hvac repair).  I’m long term renting out all four units.  The appreciation has already been great though, and I imagine they’ll cash flow nicely in a year or so.

I’m not very familiar with San Antonio, but was actually talking with someone about their multifamily units there this evening.  The cash flow is definitely better there right now.  He said the city has consistent, steady growth. He also said that multifamily deals seem more neighborhood/location specific.