You can use local banks and there are national lenders.

As you're just starting out in Austin, focus on learning the local market, particularly areas with good rental demand and lower entry prices.

Check out the Events and Meet Ups section for local events in your area.

Find your local REIA and start attending and find the Realtors there to build friendships with. 

I found a 4 BR home next to local hospital. 

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.

I also did a local renovation in 2022 bringing it up code.

To invest out of state successfully, focus on building a strong local team (agent, PM, contractors), automating deal analysis, and using contingencies to protect yourself.

A local property manager will make this much easier and handle the visits for you.Single-family homes can still do well, even with more apartments popping up, as they cater to tenants who want privacy and space.

Real estate is so localized that most federal based policy changes don't have massive influence.I can see him (semi-)privatizing Freddie/Fannie.