Hello from Central Texas

[Troupe Brewer]

Hello! I am so happy to have found the BP forums and podcasts. RE investing has always been a goal of mine, and until I found BP and other podcasts I've really been overwhelmed with getting started. My partner and I are based in Austin but are looking to get into markets throughout the I-35 corridor and possibly Houston. Still in the infancy stages of our plans, but I look forward to getting to know other BP members Texas, as well as using this site as the backbone of my real estate investing education. A major preemptive 'thank you' to all who contribute to this incredible resource.

- Troupe

[Brien OConnor]

Good morning Troupe.  As I have suggested before, start listening to the Pod Casts and definitely invest in a few books.  I drive a lot in my work as an insurance agent (I have customers state-wide) so I find them informative and sometimes entertaining.  The quality has gotten better over the last 4 years.

I live in Austin as well.  My wife and I looked for several months in and around Austin - north to Hutto and Pflugerville and out to Taylor.  Austin just seems to be overpriced.  And the Hutto area homes were all in the $200K range, identical, and "little houses on the prairie".  

We have found two homes in the Lampasas area.  One hour northwest and you'll find great homes all reasonably priced.  We found local contractors to help with the remodels and are very pleased with our cash flows.  However, I'll admit I tend to put more into the houses than I should.  I keep repeating "its a rent house...it's a rent house" but I end up making it like I'll be living in it.

OK...TMI.  Good luck to you!  Let me know if I can be of any help.