Long term hold is the tried and true method for creating real estate wealth in Austin.   

That'll allow you to setup sub-accounts that can purchase using your payment methods (and for you to track the spending), request bulk pricing on items, and apply for NET 30 payment terms (this is awesome).We stock some doorknobs but try to transition all clients to master-key systems.

Assuming it is reasonable to expect tenants to email the filled out application to me, the only major draw back I see with this method is how to collect the application payments. 

So now they ask me, which of these paid marketing methods is better.

@Jason Jinks,A core method for wealth building is (a) accumulate cash, then (b) invest said cash into passive income.

Again I never have done what you do so maybe what you are doing simply is the way to do it.. but if that was the case, I would absolutely not do it that way.There are WAY better lead generation methods I promise you that!

This is because my methods are absolutely out of this world.

And then you need to be lucky someone drives by that 1) wants to sell, 2) trusts a bandit sign, 3) has a pen ready during the drive, 4) needs to see it.Keep in mind, these 4 points are not "or" points... not ANY of these points need to be satisfies, no no, ALL of the points need to be satisfied.It is absolutely not that some of these methods work in some markets and in other markets they are not.

If a listing does not state they are against it, would approaching landlords with this method of investing be OK?

@Jerryll Noorden I listed a number of methods as the best way to get motivate sellers not just direct mail.