All Forum Posts by: Breeya Johnson

Hi Breeya,

You’ve got a killer set of strategies already! It’s refreshing to see someone leveraging both traditional methods and community engagement... it’s a solid mix. Here are a few additional ideas that have worked for me and others in competitive markets like Austin:

Off-Market Leads from Contractors: I had a friend who rehabbed a house in North Austin last year. He kept in touch with local contractors, and one tipped him off about a homeowner who ran out of funds mid-renovation. My friend stepped in, struck a deal, and got the property at a fantastic price.

Targeting Heirs Directly: Probate attorneys are great, but another angle is reaching out to heirs directly. I’ve used public records in Texas to identify estates in transition. One time, I sent a letter to an heir in Austin, and thier family ended up selling me a property they couldn’t maintain. It took time to build trust, but it paid off.

Collaborating with Local Wholesalers: I can’t tell you how many deals I’ve found by working with wholesalers who had properties they couldn’t sell quickly. A wholesaler in Pflugerville brought me a deal when their cash buyer fell through, and it ended up being a win-win.

Digging Into Pre-Development Permits: Austin has a lot of new developments, and I’ve had success reaching out to property owners near upcoming projects. They’re often motivated to sell before construction begins due to noise, traffic, or potential rezoning. One deal I closed last year was right next to a planned shopping center.

Realtor Pocket Listings: As a licensed agent myself, I've built relationships with other agents who sometimes share "pocket listings" or properties not yet on the MLS. In hot markets like Austin, having an agent network can be a massive advantage. Even if you're not an agent, staying connected with local agents can open doors.

Exploring Older Landlords: This is something I’ve been doubling down on lately. Mailing campaigns targeting landlords who’ve owned thier properties for 20+ years (especially small multi-family) have brought in some strong leads. Many are looking to retire or shift out of active management, especially as interest rates rise.

From what I’ve read in Bloomberg, Austin's market in 2025 remains highly competitive but still has opportunities in older neighborhoods and suburban areas. Focus on building trust and staying consistent with your outreach.

You’re in one of the most dynamic markets in the country, and it’s clear you’re making smart moves. Keep doubling down on your strengths, and don’t be afraid to try a new angle now and then - you never know where the next deal might come from. If you’re diving into any of these strategies, I’d love to hear how they work for you!

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all doing well! I’m part of a real estate company specializing in cosmetic fix-and-flip projects, and we’re focusing on the San Antonio and Austin markets. We're particularly interested in finding off-market properties that could use some TLC to bring them up to their full potential.

Does anyone have tips on the best strategies for finding these hidden gems? Any recommendations on local networks or specific methods that have worked for you? I’m also open to hearing about any recent experiences or success stories you’ve had with off-market deals in these areas.

Looking forward to your insights and advice!

Best,

Antonio 

@Breeya Johnson,

Austin is one of the rare cities in the Sunbelt that’s highly unaffordable. If you’re in it for cash flow, you’ll likely find it difficult to find a deal that will pencil out.

Besides, like @Jason Taken said, hundreds of thousands of new units have come online post-pandemic, so there’s a lot of new builds at the moment. Median rents in Austin declined about 8% last year, I believe, and sales prices fell about 3% as well.

If you’re willing to consider other markets in the Sunbelt, you’ll have more affordable locales to choose from. In my view, you could have better luck in areas in the southeast, like Birmingham, AL or Chattanooga, TN.

Hey @Breeya Johnson!

Working at an investment brokerage in Austin, I can confidently say it's a strong market for real estate investment. However, Austin proper has a high barrier to entry due to the sharp rise in property values in recent years. Successful investors often focus on properties with potential for flipping or long-term appreciation. While cash flow can be limited within the downtown area, there are still excellent opportunities for cash-flowing rentals in surrounding regions. Some of the hottest areas I've observed include Temple, Kyle, and East Austin. I hope this insight proves helpful!

Sean Spindler

 It's near Lincoln High school and about a 2-minute drive from 18th and vine.