Secondly, I would look at 78727 close to the Domain where they predict Austin's 2nd downtown area will be!

Since this is a smaller property we have the finances to just buy it ourselves, and the end-buyer suggested us doing owner-finance until she can get her credit right; she predicts 3-6 months.Curious of people's thoughts on these terms as we've never done an owner-finance before:15% downpayment12% interestballon payment due in 8 monthsInitially wanted to do 20% down but we met in the middle at 15% as she doesn't have enough for 20.

My ROI models hinge on appreciation here so that's a pretty big variable that's hard to predict!

But as the previous poster said there are just so many variables it's hard to predict. 

There's no way to predict which way the market will go, so I am being very cautious and will not buy if the property doesn't cash flow.

The houses all have the same pattern it seems with flooring needed to be replaced, painting in and out, yard clean up, and usually some mechanical repairs such as toilets and kitchen faucets replaced, etc.This 6k to 10k fix up cost is pretty predictable and how much we paid for the house doesn't seem to have much impact.

Folks have been predicting a crash now for 8 years. 

If that's your prediction, I'd recommend shorting the stock market. 

I think the question is more like "some people think the market has topped out and its time to take your $$ and run"...then use it in a different market.No one can predict the top of the market...... you just have to make your best judgment call and don't look back.

Thanks @Nate Reed for explaining.As a primary buy&hold investor, with passive income as the goal, I come from a different perspective:- The property appreciation is not something you can rely on, as nobody can predict the market fluctuations and time the market.