Use online tools like Google Street View, neighborhood data sites, and even local Facebook groups to get a feel for the area.

Regarding the views on high returns, what advice do you have for small scale investors?

It is a complimentary strategy to pull some of your money back and hedge your bet.My view on making money in real estate: Cash Flow is a hedge against corrections.

In other words if they are all acceptable places from an investing point of view, change your perspective and look at the other things they have to offer. 

Once you have a market chosen I'd connect with a realtor/wholesalers in that market through BP or Facebook groups to get a first hand view from them on how their market is performing.

I agree that austin from up close looks like a declining market but from a birds eye view, it makes for great opportunities! 

The picture they have on Zillow vs one of the several I have with the same view:

The site hasn't changed, literally not at all.The people, my friends here, people I know, help change the perspective by doing what they have done for years, just posting and responding with words of wisdom and a 20,000 foot view.

And a reminder of our appraisal and rental documents for acquisition that everyone should have access to fill in and view when doing your research. 

If you conclude the leverage is so good that everyone comes out ahead that's fine but if you are only able to originate hard money debt that may be viewed as a red flag by investors who will question your experience and borrowing strength.