Neither appreciation nor depreciation has much effect on the process.The best part is that you have little competition because the vast majority of investors look down their noses at ‘trailers’ and really don’t know how to monetize this lucrative niche.After 20 years of being in the business I’ve learned a little :)

Most off-market sellers, especially in a competitive market, are lured to sell by quick deals, cash, and limited inspections.

So fixing and keeping or selling and paying the tax are about a wash.So if you want the better finance decision it would be to sell and 1031 exchange into a vehicle like a DST or TIC if you want passivity and fractional interests. 

From those calls, you will have learned what your competition is related to lot rent, the sale of homes, how many POH they have, and what incentives you may have to offer as you sell homes.Next, you can advertise a home for sale yourself as a "test ad".

While you can make an all cash offer and be competitive, you are putting sizeable equity at risk in 1 investment.  

Austin is fantastic for appreciation and projected growth, but its a hot and very competitive market - and difficult to find cash-flow.

Speak with your agent and see what the competition has sold and what is on the market, who is the target buyer, etc.

Still, and even more importantly, location of the property, competitive pricing, applicant pool, etc, these will all play into your ability to get the place rented.Since it sounds like your situation was one where you're acquiring a new property, Grace has the right idea with 2-4 weeks ahead of time (but I'd even still say give yourself as much time as possible because applicants may fall through; ex. someone backs out after going through the screening process and showing intent on signing, but never does, generally you want to know that information well enough in advance that you can still not find yourself in a pinch.

It's the ability to repeat and systematize profit generation without being dependent on market conditions or competition.

Do you think there will be competition or are you doing a different combination of price and terms (e.g. $150K and 2 week close vs $140K and 1 month close)?