Since we have such demand here in Denver, why not wait until you know 100% that you are two weeks out from completion? 

He demanded a buyout, and since my father was the mortgage holder, I was put in a very difficult situation where I had to buy him out for a couple thousand dollars... out of a house with no equity!

Demand is through the roof!! 

They won't even tell me how long I have to close, but I'm assuming they are going to demand a damn fast closing or will cancel.

I should be able to make some good supplemental cash while I'm out and about - on top of the other RE income.

They are enough in demand that the only ones you will get without cash or owner occupancy are pure dogs. 

The Austin market is competitive because of big demand.  

This will impact demand in the area.Just hammer out the due diligence and make sure that you have a local partner helping you chose the right investment for your portfolio.All the best and good luck.

Rental demand has been pretty strong in my area.The demand for flip properties is very intense in my area, but the competition for rentals isn't as bad, specially if you have cash to invest.Unless you are looking to invest for very short term, use the dollar cost averaging to diversify.

. : )I don't know about roofing demands but if this is a high building time of the year there then this is why you are getting the crazy rate quotes. if so you have to find someone good without much business or wait until later in the year when things cool down.