Rise in random offers for my own home

[Lisa Lusby]

Since January, I have been contacted 8 times by investors who want to buy my house, two that want to buy my mother's house, and one that wants to buy my sister's house. I don't recall ever getting this much, and this aggressive, interest before. Yes, I get the random "we buy ugly houses" general mailer, but not the phone calls and personal notices (including two handwritten). 

Also, I am noticing that available rentals are staying empty for up to two months, which is unusual in Austin, TX. 

I am just getting into real estate investing myself, but now I am starting to think this market, which is already expensive, is going to be even more competitive and saturated. 

Am I right, or am I just more aware since I am trying to break into the market, too?