@Nikesh Patelwelcome. please recognize that it is very, very difficult to achieve cash flow at this time UNLESS you employ a hands-on, time intensive, creative strategy, OR a combination of such strategies. 

For someone who is going to be a hands own operator and rely on real estate as their full time employment in lieu of a W2 job, or foresees that transition at some point,  buying the entry level low barrier assets can serve a useful function.

I’ll call previous landlords and verify employment. 

As a result, home-buying affordability has fallen to its lowest level since 1985.However, Austin’s red-hot economic engine continues to generate strong employment numbers, making the Austin metro the best job market in Texas and #7 in the US (tied with Nashville), according to WSJ’s recent study:What if I’m a buyer?

We've rented to people with full time employment, but whose income still qualified for HUD rental assistance. 

Past land lord and employment.

Same goes for the employer.

Services for survivorsHarriet's Hope is open to any individual — no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation — who has experienced human trafficking or chronic homelessness, meets CMHA's income guidelines for a housing voucher and is ready to make a commitment to sobriety, Kendall said.Most residents will be identified through the Salvation Army, but referrals can come from anyone, anywhere, she said.What sets the community apart from others is that the services residents need are embedded within it, Kendall said.Services include substance abuse disorder treatment by Alvis, case management through the Salvation Army, gender-affirming case management through Kaleidoscope Youth Center, a computer lab furnished by Dell, a food pantry, nutritional services, financial literacy classes, peer support, employment readiness programs, legal aid, health screenings, child care and more.Residents will start out with a one-year lease before going month to month, Kendall said.

Population is growing aggressively and jobs are moving here especially with major employers like Intel, Google, Amazon, Nationwide, etc.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both strategies when deciding whether to invest in-state or out-of-state.In-State Investing:Knowledge: You probably know more about the rules, legislation, and local market in your own state of Houston, Texas.Network: It's possible that you already know contractors, real estate agents, and other people in your community.The Ease of Management: Especially when dealing with daily problems, managing properties in your neighbourhood may be more convenient.Out-of-State Investing:diversity: If your local market is competitive, investing in a different state may offer greater prospects and diversity.Affordability: As you pointed out, certain states could have more reasonably priced real estate, which might enhance cash flow.Market Dynamics: There are markets with varying development potential and economic trends that you may access.Taking Out-of-State Investing Into Account:Investigate the target market in-depth, paying particular attention to employment growth, economic data, and local real estate market patterns.Establishing Networks: Establish a local network of contractors, property managers, and real estate experts.