new houses are getting sold for 600K, old houses switched to multiple offer selling model, just like some places in GTA.

Value: I am paying current market value. 

As you're just starting out in Austin, focus on learning the local market, particularly areas with good rental demand and lower entry prices.

I’d recommend looking for a market that’s affordable and has good rental demand—local job growth or proximity to schools can be a sign of a solid investment.

Quote from @Daniel Tanasa: Hello Terry, If you're looking to find houses that are in pre-foreclousure you can use a website like www.foreclosure.com and you can get the list of properties and start marketing to them. 

Over the years the only place I have lost money is the stock market.

If I were your age, I would 100% do a house hack of some kind.  

Only in this house your mom happens to be the tenant. 

I am considering a 12 unit multifamily property in my home market of Harrisburg, PA. 

I could market the property to UMD College Park Students.