Hi @Stedmon Sweeney , Local REIA meetings are a great way to network with other like-minded individuals in your market, along with Facebook groups and bigger pockets. 

Duane,What not a HELOC at a good rate from your local credit union?

Zillow is usually the quickest way to get this information if you do not have local MLS access... just click on the pricing/tax history and it will give you the assessed value and tax bill.

When doing rental comps, I use the MLS, Zillow, Rent.com, Conrex, Evernest, and about ten other property manager websites that are local brokerages and manage over 100 homes.

Yes, many local registrations and ordinances affect STRs.

There are also some really great resources for anyone starting out with some local groups such as AZREIA where we have monthly meetings and some great subgroups, including a new investor subgroup. 

Borrowed 250k from a private money lender (local attorney) at 10%, to be paid in a balloon upon the sale.

Also the constant in and out of different families probably wears the property much faster than usual, there is much more liability with constantly changing  tenants, and many locals governments are creating ordinances against them.

I definitely encourage you to visit whatever market you plan to invest in to familiarize yourself with the area and connect with local professionals.

Look at credit unions if you really want to go that route and if it is local to Austin.