Without sacrificing anything along the way, they bought a primary SF ($500k initial purchase price) and then bought two rentals ($140k and $200k) in great neighborhoods.

Best decision I ever made, sacrificed for a few years, but it took me from the JOB lifestyle (Just Over Broke) to being debt free, with cash in savings and being able to start investing in real estate and now making well over 6 figures after my first 12 months.

I know what you're thinking "expensive hobbies" but I found that with a little self control and some budgeting I can afford them pretty easily by sacrificing other non necessities, like cable or HBO etc, etc...

Otherwise, you're going to be looking further North/South and will be sacrificing much of what draws you to Austin in the first place.  

And I get money to share my common areas, instead of me paying to share apartment common areas.It is sacrificing being naked on the couch.

Find one that has a quick turn around time but not an automated process so that you're sacrificing data.

a free ride while myself sacrificing $500/mo seemed financially irresponsible.Boyfriend/girlfriend relationships and living together for the first time are the proving grounds for deciding whether 2 people are compatible for marriage or long term partnership.

The cash flow is great..are you sacrificing appreciation upside or did you just buy so much under market value? 

Choose a path because you understand it, can devote time and effort without sacrificing job or family commitments, and you have the skills/interest to make it work.The 5k is to understand every step in that path and what you have to do to get thru it. 

However all home buyers make a best determination of the right home for them by sacrificing or prioritizing at least the following factors: price, size, condition, and location.Typically budgets are fixed so you'll have to decide to buy smaller or in a less expensive location if you can't stomach the condition of the home you are considering (assuming your realtor didn't let you make a major mistake on your offer price).