All it takes is a hand full of comps, new businesses, reasonable "average days on market" and an influx of population due to jobs and bam!!

New here, but have been reading the forums for several months as I consider real estate investing, but am having a hard time convincing my spouse the potential "hassle" of a poor tenant is worth the benefits.Our situation includes both of us working full time w-2 jobs and our primary goal is to assist in reducing annual tax burdens. 

Thank you for this opportunity. 

I have seen so much growth in Columbus when it comes to appreciation and job opportunities which I have experienced.

I do live in a lower-income area that is now up and coming (more job opportunities, more infrastructure being built, local amusement parks, close to city, etc).

Since you are just graduating college you may already realize that it's not what you know, but who you know (as a personal note, I had college friends that were barely passing their classes however they ended up with really good paying jobs due to "who they knew").

As a result, home-buying affordability has fallen to its lowest level since 1985.However, Austin’s red-hot economic engine continues to generate strong employment numbers, making the Austin metro the best job market in Texas and #7 in the US (tied with Nashville), according to WSJ’s recent study:What if I’m a buyer?

It's also crucial to conduct thorough market analysis and search for properties using tools such as real estate websites, MLS listings, and property management software to find potential investment opportunities.

@Chris F.I like to track job with/losses and median income for that area as well.

Build a legal rental unit with kitchen, bathroom, new windows and others, according to the design from Sokol Design-Build GroupDig out the basement and install a new concrete slab, it's a separate addition job and will cost $ 15K - $ 20K.much better than the first one (and yes both are insured and are experts in the field) I may have to GC this project myself to save some money.