Both strategies have potential here, so it depends on your goals:Strategy 1 (Duplex) can be a solid choice for building equity and generating cash flow, especially in Austin’s competitive short-term rental market.

After paying a competitive rate for the property management and ASSET management that the small operator does himself.  

I have heard that CA is very competitive and very difficult to find deals in.

Do you know what a competitive cost would be and how I can go about finding a good and fair GC for ADU build? 

You have to adjust your expectations to match current reality, which includes higher mortgage rates, higher prices, more expensive taxes and insurance, more competition, etc.

It's pricey and competitive, but stay in your own backyard, consistently look for deals, and you'll find a great asset.

I'd lower the price slightly below your competition and get real reviews.Be customer focused.

Land priced right, zoned correctly, market analysis great and potential competition low.  

I would say that your QI should be competitively priced, but the lowest price is not always the best. 

Check to see how many contacts a listing has received in X amount of days to see if it is competitively priced.