We're thinking of starting out with short term rentals near or on the beach.

What is the rate difference? 

A healthy dose of skepticism is good, but usually they want you to have the best experience possible.

@Jesse Jones-Smithhi. i tend not to advise people on personal residence items because... it's too personal. so i'll just pick one thing you mentioned and provide a comment. 

I understand home designs are pretty expensive, and cannot just be applied to any lot/existing neighborhood.

I'd agree with mortgage news daily - the "average mortgage rate" generally tracks very very closely with the 10-year treasury yield (+ a somewhat steady spread) - google and yahoo finance on that are pretty handy

THE CITY WAS RECOMMENDED BY OUR PROPERTY MANAGER.

I invest OOS, and I know I can outsource a Call center to get my calls and set the appointments with the sellers that are interested .

This is a great place to learn and to connect with people so take advantage of all the great resources.

There has been a flight to the more quality areas of Austin.I agree on us having hit the bottom, time will tell but I think we'll see demand increase and rates decrease over the next few months Yeah - I was more talking about outlook for 2025+, I think the correction has likely completed (just opinion)