Also curious to know how things are going now after the Covid wave subsided and the market corrected...

In my case, it was obvious the appraiser took into account none of the repairs we did and just appraised them all at our purchase prices so the bank was happy to wave them.

In other words, Ogden failed to ride the gentrification wave that buoyed the REI landscape everywhere around it. 

With the growing demand for both urban living in cities like Austin and suburban areas surrounding Dallas and Houston, where do you think the next big wave of homebuyers is heading?

My gut tells me that Texas, particularly Austin and Houston, could be where the next wave of growth and expansion occurs, mainly driven by strong business and job creation trends.Here’s what I’m looking for in my US investments:Free-standing houses with a good land component, at least 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and in well-maintained condition.Budget : Will have to keep a factor of safety for the current exchange rates of AUD.USD = 0.68 so will cap our budget at 250K- 300K.Yielding over 6%, with a slight cash flow positive outcome, while also offering medium-term capital appreciation potential.Holding for at least 5 years or more, with a view towards steady growth.The long-term goal is financial independence, reducing reliance on salary-based income, and building assets during this accumulation phase.Debt reduction is on the horizon—looking to consolidate and start winding down debt within the next 7 years.If anyone has experience investing in the Texas real estate market or any tips on navigating US property investments, feel free to share your thoughts!

If you are a buy-and-hold investor, the strategy is to try to buy one or even two properties a year (or every other year or every few years) to give you enough depreciation to carry you over to the next property that's going to give you that depreciation wave to save you money the entire time.

My gut tells me that Texas, particularly Austin and Houston, could be where the next wave of growth and expansion occurs, mainly driven by strong business and job creation trends.Here’s what I’m looking for in my US investments:Free-standing houses with a good land component, at least 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and in well-maintained condition.Yielding over 6%, with a slight cash flow positive outcome, while also offering medium-term capital appreciation potential.Holding for at least 5 years or more, with a view towards steady growth.The long-term goal is financial independence, reducing reliance on salary-based income, and building assets during this accumulation phase.Debt reduction is on the horizon—looking to consolidate and start winding down debt within the next 7 years.If anyone has experience investing in the Texas real estate market or any tips on navigating US property investments, feel free to share your thoughts!

My wife and I love to catch a few waves in New Smyrna and visit St Augustine from time to time.

If I don't pay my bill they have no problem cutting off my heat in the winter or a/c in the middle of a 110-degree heat wave here in Texas!

Rates are on the way down, meaning Spring will likely bring a new wave of demand to the market and folks will look to refinance their home, taking cash out to pay for life needs, and also likely to splurge on new toys.