I have a list of homes we would like to see already in:Montgomery, Walden, Bloomingburg, Marlboro and Unionville.I would also like this realtor to possibly work with me as I start flipping homes in the area after the move.Send me any quality recommendations.Brian

Go check out Open Houses and pay attention to pricing, what are the finishes (materials, quality, etc.)

Really it is a matter of if you think your quality of life improves to the tune of $100k if you get the new place, or is it really just the pool that is missing.

Ultimately, just be a good tenant and keep the place clean, safe, and functional, as in the case of any good quality rental.  

I think you will keep your tenants longer term, have a higher quality of tenant and make more money!

In a different part of town, the owner may accept that price, but once you own the property, you may find the area is undesirable and it is difficult for you to easily find high quality tenants.

I will also add that some of the surrounding Austin areas have great schools(Cedar Park, parts of Round Rock, and many others). which will be desirable to quality renters. 

The market is softening a bit as buyer quality is not as strong as it was 4-6 months ago, although there is still little inventory which is keeping prices high and increasing.

Just click my name and look at posts I've written I believe there are three lazy landlord posts One on painting One on flooring I like what you've written I believe it dkesent have to be that our work is less than professional quality I think that for many of us who are somewhat handy We can specialize on one or two things that we can do really wellFor me I have chosen Tiling , painting, and landscapingNow I haven't rally done anything landscape wise but my intention is to take some classes on landscape design It's one of those areas that pay huge dividends and save tons of moneyTiling mastery allows you to save tons of money and actually greatly improve the value of a home Painting of course is something we all can do and we can learn some tricks to help us get a professional job. 

I got my friend's building complete on time and on budget about a year ago, and then completed a couple tenant improvements for him.I thought I would have an advantage starting my own business up here because I felt the customer service, quality of work, and attention to safety of the contractor's here was below what I was used to.