Paid platforms often offer additional features like market analytics, off-market property leads, and filters for investor-specific criteria, giving them a leg up over free options.Exactly, most platforms have to offset cost somewhere because of how expensive it is to keep the data up to date.

Look at their marketing strategy.

Are they way under market, or is it manageable for now?

Austin is a fantastic market, with its growing tech presence and vibrant culture, making it a great choice for your future career. 

I do not have 5 layers of management that make my rates higher, no lender I work with pays for my office space, licensing, benefits, marketing department, compliance department.... 

I was thinking maybe Houston because my boyfriend lives there and I’m there a good portion of the year as is, but I’m open to any good market.

So if this $330k puts them close to the limit, and the market makes a downturn, there will be a margin call.

Seems like you're just a marketer working on a contract basis (not that I'm defending the program or even saying it's legitimate).

if i am going to be ~$600/month negative, it would need to be a market that has rent growth far greater than inflation.good luck 

Even though your market might prove expensive, I would exhaust all options before ruling it out.Truth is, you have a unique competitive advantage in your market.