New Buyer to Austin

[Account Closed]

So, good evening. 

I am an new investor looking to buy in Austin (very excited). I have a number of questions that I am sure the locals can answer for me (my budget is $300k:

-I hear so many people recommending to purchase duplex, is this the be and end all? Why so much empahsie on duplex? What is second best recommendation? 

-I see the following areas mentioned most often; Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander and Pflugerville. Is that an accurate statement? Are these not too far from DT? What options suit my budget? 

-As I am looking for decent cash flow, its going to cost me +- $1,800/mth all in if I get a 3/2 in one of them locations (accurate?) . What kind of rent (average) should I be expecting in these areas?

-Reading some post here it is recommended not to try to rent between August and March. Accurate?

Thanks very much and I appreciate any help at all!!!!