I’m going to assume 300k isn’t like all your portfolio money and you’ve got some in stocks and bonds etc elsewhere.

Hi CJ - We have observed the market here growing as well and another thing that strengthens our market in my opinion is the military base.

We saw slight inventory increases across the market, particularly in the suburbs, but they’re not enough to offset ongoing demand.”Here are basic stats on single-family home sales for August 2018 for the City of Austin and the greater Austin area:Earlier this month, 73% of Austin voters approved a proposition (Prop A) for a $250 million "affordable housing" bond targeting the city's housing supply and affordability issues.

A very, very conservative asset allocation between Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX).  

You could also go to the towns building department and ask for a list of plumbers who have bonds on file with the town.

Does anyone have any contractors (only licensed, insured, and bonded, please) that you would recommend who has done great work for you?

I just wanted a career that can strengthen my skills in the real estate market while also earning a high income.

Government and quality corporate bonds, and gold are all traditional hedges against recession, however not specific to housing.

I have not used this as it is not available on my brokerage platform.Personally, I hold cash in VCSH, Vanguard Corporate SHort term bonds.  

He would likely invest in lower return things like bonds, CDs etc....Properties worth say $1,000,000 owns free and clear.