That's a pretty hot market from what I understand.

If the market temperature is “VERY HOT” then you have found a good city to start wholesaling in.

You need to amass a large portfolio for it to be passive (aka hiring someone to manage).If you want to be financially independent as fast as you can then you need to do a few things. 1) get as high of an income as possible (this usually takes schooling and/or experience, think high income profession - law, medicine,etc)2) live as frugally as possible (you will sacrifice a lot here, think of not going out with friends, live at home/save on rent, etc)3) invest as much as possible and I mean invest not yoloing on random hot tips (you are starting young, time will be on your side)If you do this consistently and remain highly disciplined, you will get there faster than most.

What has worked for you in a hot market like Austin?

#2 - Larger 5-bedroom renovation into a sweet rental home Before Pictures (Zillow Link)After Pictures (Airbnb Link)These investors took something that was very boring and extremely residential-looking and transformed it into a cozy retreat for travelers with highlights being adding wood paneling, kitchen renovation, new furniture throughout, beautiful outdoor space with added hot tub and fire pit spaces for guests to hangout and an exciting game room space to occupy guests for hours. 

I've made it a habit to track Department of City Planning updates and zoning proposals because they often signal where the next hot areas will be.

Avon, CT is a hot market, with multiple offers being received the weekend of the open house, which is scheduled one week after listing.My offer of $725,000 was $20,000 lower than the highest bid, but was accepted without counter because it was not contingent on financing, while the highest offer at $745,000, while the buyer had pre approval financing, was subject to financing.

Without a hot tub, or a swimming pool, or a back yard patio you aren’t offering anything but a place to sleep.

It's way too hot for hiking in the summer, and ugly in the winter once all the green is gone.

Imagine trying to ask an owner permission to add on hot tub or high cost item just so you can compete.