Austin Business Journal released an article this morning titled "Austin City Council moves to tighten reins on short-term rentals"Political Significance: City council voted to approve an amendment to be drafted to City Code that governs STRs.

The Federal Reserve did increase interest rates in November as well as in December which most likely will keep downward pressure on prices going forward.

My hunch is that the article was about some type of government action, IRS or otherwise, that is scaring investors into selling off real estate investments.So my question is, "Are there any recent and notable government actions that would cause real estate investors to panic into selling off their properties?".

The mortgage is secured—or collateralized—by the house, the buyer’s name goes on the title and the mortgage is recorded with the local government.2.

.- Participate in areas of the U.S. federal tax code that are considerably more favorable than the ones I’ve been governed by to this point as a W2 employee.- Network with like-minded investors and learn something new that stimulates a part of my brain that I don’t often use at my day job.- Make a positive impact on my local community.Thanks to the BiggerPockets community for the great information and support!

If you have an FHA or other government mortgage on your home, look into whether your current mortgage is assumable by a future buyer. 

Oh, and also, be sure you are not taking on a property that is on a Local or Federal "Historical" register (or "on the radar" of local historical activists), which will dramatically affect what you are able, or not able to do with the property.

It has been addressed by local government as a crucial need in the area as well.

Sales taxes for the state are comparatively low at 6.25% (it can reach a maximum limit of 8.25%), and Texas is one of nine states that does not have personal income taxes.However, as taxation is a vital source of revenue for local government, the burden falls squarely on property taxation to compensate for the lack of other revenue.

A federal crime.