Austin tech professional looking for housing - excellent credit.

[Rama N.]

Hi BiggerPockets landlords,

Not sure if this is the right place to post, but I'm a 26 y/o Fortune 500 software developer who is moving to Austin, TX.

I have:

- a senior engineering position at my company that I've held for the last few years
- a 6 figure income
- excellent credit
- excellent references
- no pets

My one problem is that 6 years ago, when I was a teenager in college, I was charged with possession of Xanax without a prescription. I was not prosecuted for it and I have a letter from my lawyer backing this up.

I have absolutely no other background issues.

Despite this, apartment complexes in Austin won't rent to me. 

I just want a studio or a 1BR in a decent area in central Austin (near my workplace), between Hyde Park and SoCo, or anywhere along the river. I have attached a screenshot of the zip codes I am interested in living in.

Can anyone help me? 

My only options seem to be very far out of town or otherwise in disrepair. I can provide documentation for everything I have stated here, and even several months of rent upfront. 

My record is currently up for absolute pardon and will be sealed in the next 8-12 months, so I just need somewhere to live for that period until I can apply for housing through normal avenues again.

Any help is very much appreciated. I had no idea that as a young girl such a stupid indiscretion would land me in this situation.

Thanks for your understanding. 

[Rama N.]

I have decided to go the purchasing route and have been approved for a loan. Thanks for everyone's advice + help!