So I get your hesitation to be too demanding and your desire for the problems to go away as fast as they can, however since you have NO property manager ( I don't use one either), it is incumbent that you take a more ACTIVE approach with management of your property.Let's review your situation.  1st time leak occurred, you sent a plumber over to find the problem.  

Starting your real estate journey with a house hack in Austin is a smart move, especially with its strong rental demand and appreciation potential.

You could also list low and if the demand is really there, could get bid up.

Instead, he wrote a threatening letter (first contact since closing) and demanded thousands of dollars. 

@Nick Rutkowski no good deed goes unpunished by desperate people:(We try cash-for-keys (CFK) all the time, but tenants always think they're smarter than us.Most are so ignorant, they expect the funds BEFORE they move out.NEVER!

I’m wondering if the influx of newer apartment complexes near campus has shifted the supply and demand balance.

If you’re referring to the “newbies” with $10k to their name that watch a video by Pace and get excited and pay for joining, go out with their last $5k and do a sub to with a “desperate” homeowner without revealing all the possible consequences (because they are unaware of the consequences through lack of experience and lack of knowledge and or choose not to inform the seller) then I agree, it’s probably going to turn out badly for all concerned.If on the other hand you’re referring to a seasoned investor with excellent credit, significant cash reserves, who wants to add a property to their portfolio without going through loan qualifying, and can pay enough to give the seller “walking away” money because of the low existing interest rates and or, and is dealing with a informed seller, then I find nothing wrong or negative about the transaction.  

Go wtih what works - but intelligently.We offer a free month of rent, but to avoid desperate people, we credit 50% towards their 2nd month (to make sure they can afford 1st month rent + SD) and then credit the other 50% the 5th month.

* Does it significantly affect rental demand, vacancy rates, or rents?

., known for its upscale appeal and strong demand for vacation homes.Properties in the Hamptons attract affluent buyers and renters, offering a high potential for appreciation and steady rental income.he property may have been undervalued due to its condition, presenting an opportunity to add value through targeted renovations.