Im not seeing anying go for under asking price or even asking price (unless the place has burned to the ground & the ask is just for land.2.

You are almost guaranteed to get burned if you buy either of these deals. 

I'm not from NC but I have started to always charge first, last and security deposit after I got burned with the tenant who use their security deposit for their last month's rent, leaving me know security deposit from which to take the cost of the two doors she literally took with her and some of the other issues.I also charge between $250 to $500 More than A month's rent for the security deposit because my properties are newly remodeled.

I charge $500 to $600 per pet as a pet deposit.I charge $25 to $50 per pet rentAll pets must be spayed or neutered and be up to date on their shots and I require this proof before they ever move in because I got burned this last time I didn't get the proof beforehandI require them to have a $20,000 insurance policy against any damage the pet does to the property.

I'm in Los Angeles where a lot of landlords have been burned, I would want to make sure the tenants have been paying each month. 

If anything you're doing requires city of austin approval you're going to burn lots of time waiting for inspections and permits.

Is burning Incense the same thing as smoking? 

Many realtors have also done a bad job investing themselves and have been burned. 

After a 15yd dumpster was placed and filled, along with 3 trips to a friends burn pile ( 3 couches, end tables, ect) the house is now cleaned out.

If you go the "traditional" route, you are setting your self up to get burned in this market.