It balances stability with potential for appreciation, especially if you find a reliable tenant.On the other hand, for investors with time, experience, and a willingness to take on higher risk, active strategies like value-add projects or flipping might yield quicker returns but require deeper involvement.

 $250,000 capital gain per spouse is not taxable.  

Property prices are lower compared to larger cities, offering the potential for higher returns, while the demand for rentals remains steady thanks to a large student population and growing workforce.

Some that may be higher returns but require more focus/effort from you and then some more hands strategies that can offset what you are doing but are lower risk, more steady returns. 

@Jon LatorreWhat kind of annual rental yields do you get in a non-Covid world?

However if I do a BRRRR I can achieve infinite return by extracting all of my investment.

If credit scores are fine, and you are just new to the work sector, then I would suggest doing a conventional loan with a strong income "non-occupying coborrower". 

Austin was appreciating faster than non-tech cities.

All of this equates to lower returns with turnover costs, being the primary one.  

The wrong tenant can lead to non-payment, evictions, and property damage.