Not a whole lot going on here comparatively, but like anywhere else, there is still potential.

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

IE west coast high priced compared to rust belt areas were homes are rentals are priced like used vehicles.. but even those low value assets will have running costs that will exceed cash flow many times..  

BUT if it does well you will most likely make much more money in the next 10 years compared to RE It would take less money but would take a huge amount of time and additional risk

I would encourage you to compare all the groups, then go with REI for peace of mind. 

Really compared to anything else it seems like a no brainer.

*The size of home you can get in Austin for the money compared to CA is just ridiculous.

I’m getting some replies from contractors saying costs per sqft range from $200-$300... compared to what I leaned from other states, that’s a huge difference... so, I know costs for everything in the Bay Area are higher than any other place, but I’d like know if that’s accurate...Thanks

Once you have your system and network in place it can be very rewarding with minimal involvement thus freeing up time for whatever floats your boat. 

It's just not how the financial world looks at investments...CAP is a component of "commercial" residential multifamily...5+ units. 1-4 unit properties are often classified as single family (This is how Core Logic classifies 1-4 units)...The properties are valued by comparable sales method.