Every time mortgage rates drop, we see significant increase in Buyer activity.

Some land flippers will buy unwanted and neglected parcels of raw land for a bargain and then improve them by clearing the land or even leveling it before selling it on.Most land flippers are making money by actively seeking and marketing their land flip projects.

Are there specific areas in Texas where you're noticing bigger shifts in prices or market activity?

I fund a few folks that buy them though ( I am the Money) and a few states activity is back up.   

This approach helps mitigate risk, especially in a fluctuating market, by allowing you to weather potential downturns.Your strategy of going long on USD and short on AUD is intriguing, and it's smart to consider how the currency exchange dynamics will affect your investments.Regarding the Austin market, there has been notable activity in the lower end and affordable housing segments, with many buyers entering the market as they look for opportunities.

Your GROSS return is 10%, before your ‘PROMOTE” for putting the deal together. 

He's still out there promoting...just not this as he's on to other things....hopefully not another scam.

If you materially participate and rent for 7 days or less, and don't use it personally, this will be a non-passive activity and losses can be written against active income. 

Many sites do syndicate MLS data, but it's much more robust for active listings and a large fail for closed statistics.

I'm familiar with a few areas more east that perform very well and there are some active vacation rentals with healthy income records on the market there as well.