Also, check out the airbnb map for your area to see what your competition would be and what people are charging.Best of luck!

A local lender has a first-time homebuyer program that offers 0% down with no PMI and $2k towards closing costs with a very competitive rate (6.025% as of 8/19/24).

With MLS, it is competitive here so I'd recommend trying to make your offer stand out amongst the others (i.e. great terms).

I don't think the Milwaukee market is that different from Cincinnati, maybe a little less competitive.

I prefer buying during this time of year as the prices are usually lower and the competition is taking a nap because they generally do not want to move in the winter. :)Also, keep in mind that rent rates are also generally lower in the "winter" months so you may not get peak rent from your current home. 

If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it.Software does have extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button, and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

You can also use FHA with 3.5% down as well although may be harder to win in a more competitive market.

Here’s some advice to help you get started on the right foot in the Austin market:Understand the Market: Austin is a dynamic and competitive market with a mix of tech-driven professionals, students, and long-term residents.

Go to Etsy and search for "rental property tracker," and you will find hundreds of nice spreadsheets to track 10-20 rentals, usually for under $10.Software has extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button, and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

Your next real estate competition might not be Black Rock or Bezos...it could be coming from the family of the friends you grew up with.