(not likely under the circumstances you've painted) Not sure what anyone can do for you at this point, but certain individuals here may be able to help you find the money to renovate properly @Ann Bellamy ?

Fees should be clearly stated, easy to understand, and justifiable.

Come up with something witty and thought-provoking -- not easy but possible -- and see who clicks on it. 

For me I get bored to easy I could never keep my attention going long enough to paint the entire room I would be half done then say I am bored with that and go do something else..

Another easy source can be taking a loan out against your 401k.

Analyzing deals Gets easy one you get hang of it. 

Census website, its surprisingly easy to use and has all types of useful data.

-is it relatively easy to find a professional to rent a single room in that zip code (south austin)?

These first three areas are fairly easy to find where you enter the data.  

simply do not take anyone's word for this landlock situation.. open escrow get a title commitment and see it it is actually landlocked.. if it is your remedy in the real world. is1. getting a neighbor to grant you the proper easement you will need.2. confirm from the city or county that you can access the property from this new easement..despite common statements folks will make that no property can be landlocked.. and there are remedies this simply is not true.. properties can be landlocked... owners do it to themselves.. not common but it does happen.As for the old house.. sometimes if there is no lead or asbestos fire department will burn them down as an exercise.. ( sometimes)biggest issue in many markets now is the lead paint and Asbestos remediation during the demo.. some areas they don't car.