But lately, I may have to adjust these goals as Austin is a tough market and I don't want to bet on appreciation especially on a first deal.

Your best bet is to either pay down most of your debt, or add a co-borrower who makes a good income and has good credit.If this is for an investment property that will have rental income, and the $1200 already includes your primary housing payment, you have more options.

Amit - Being that we are at the end of 9 consecutive years of increases in prices in the market I would not be betting on prices holding over the next few years.

I'm betting this start hitting the early part of next year.

I hate Home Advisor for what they do to contractors, but they're your best bet.

I think your best bet would be owner financing. 

Best bet is market comps though, as they are the safest.

But not one decent lead on getting a deal.I have gotten all of my PF leads from Zillow, auction.com, and from CL ads I placed offering help to anyone facing Foreclosure.After listening to a number of Podcasts and YT videos, Ive come to realize that maybe my best bet for decent PF leads would be from a RE Agent!?

I bet this area would appreciate really well in the next 5 to 10 years.

No harm in asking, though.I bet your insurance will be $1500-2k/month, but you'll have to talk to some brokers to know for sure.