Austin Neighborhoods for Rentals

[Sarah Klein]

Hi BP, first-time investor here who's planning on "house hacking" by living in the first property I buy and having roommates / tenants help me pay down my mortgage. 

I'm currently located in Austin, TX, and am looking at properties here. 

What are some up-and-coming neighborhoods that you think would make good rental investments in Austin? Also, how do you evaluate if a neighborhood will make for a promising investment? 

Thank you,
Sarah 

[Robert Eyers]

Sarah, how far are you willing to commute? Normal house-hacking would make me think you wanted a duplex, but I'm not sure you will find that at $225 within a 30 minute rush hour drive of downtown. I did see some nice ones in buda that might fit that price though.

If you are ok with having roommates instead of having a duplex, I've seen some nice stuff at that price point in the slaughter lane corridor in south austin. Check out 78744 and 78747 along slaughter lane. Access to downtown via 35 and lots of stuff for you at south park meadows.