Neuhaus Realty Group
Real Estate Investing in Austin
We don't just help investors find deals. We invest ourselves. With our own rental portfolio, STR management through StaySTRA, and 19 years of Austin market knowledge, we bring a level of insight most agents can't.
Tell Me About Your GoalsWhy Invest With Us
We're Investors Too
I own and manage my own rental portfolio including short-term rentals. When I analyze a deal for you, I use the same criteria I use for my own money. If I wouldn't buy it, I won't recommend it.
STR Data + StaySTRA
Our sister platform StaySTRA gives you market data most investors never see. Revenue projections, occupancy rates, ADR by neighborhood, and regulatory analysis. Not guesswork. Real data.
Local Market Intelligence
We know which HOAs allow short-term rentals, which areas have STR restrictions, where property taxes are lowest, and which neighborhoods are appreciating fastest.
19 Years, Zero Guesswork
Two decades of Austin market cycles. We know which neighborhoods recover fastest, where long-term value holds, and how to read the data that tells you when to move.
Austin's Investment Window
Here's what most people outside the Austin market don't realize: prices are down roughly 20% from the 2022 peak, there are 115% more sellers than buyers, and properties are sitting on market for over 100 days. For investors, this is exactly the kind of market where deals get made.
Cap rates are improving. Builder incentives are on the table. Sellers are negotiating on price, repairs, and closing costs in ways we haven't seen in years. If you've been waiting for the right entry point, this is worth a serious look.
This window won't stay open forever. When the market turns (and it will), the investors who bought during the correction will be the ones with the best basis and the strongest returns.
Investment Strategies We Support
Different goals call for different approaches. We help with all of them.
Short-Term Rentals
Revenue analysis backed by real STR data, regulatory compliance guidance, ADR and occupancy projections by neighborhood, and a direct line to professional management through StaySTRA.
Long-Term Rentals
Cash flow analysis, tenant-quality neighborhood guidance, property management connections, and tax advantage strategies. We help you find properties that cash flow from day one.
Buy and Hold
Austin's long-term growth trajectory speaks for itself. We'll help you identify neighborhoods with the strongest appreciation potential so you're building equity while the market does the heavy lifting.
1031 Exchanges
Tax-deferred exchange strategies, replacement property identification within the 45-day window, timeline management for the 180-day close, and qualified intermediary connections. We've done these before.
Areas for Investment
West Austin and the Hill Country offer some of the best investment opportunities in Central Texas.
Tax comparison: Bee Cave city rate: $0.02 | Lakeway: $0.17 | Austin proper: $0.47
How It Works
From strategy to acquisition, here's what working with us looks like.
- Strategy Session — We discuss your goals, budget, experience level, and preferred strategy. No pressure. Just clarity on what you're trying to build.
- Market Analysis — I identify opportunities matching your criteria. For STR investors, we pull real revenue data from StaySTRA. For long-term rentals, we run cash flow projections.
- Deal Analysis — Before you make an offer, you'll see the full picture: projected returns, cap rate, cash-on-cash, expenses, and risk factors. No surprises.
- Acquisition — I negotiate the purchase, coordinate inspections, and close the deal. Investment properties require a different negotiation approach than primary residences, and I know the difference.
- Post-Purchase Support — STR investors connect with StaySTRA for management. Long-term rental investors get introduced to trusted property managers. Either way, we stay involved.
Tell Me About Your Investment Goals
Fill this out and I'll reach out with opportunities that match what you're looking for.
Prefer to call? (512) 827-8830
Real Estate Investing Resource Library
In-depth guides on every aspect of investing — from financing to tax strategy to property types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about real estate investing — and Austin specifically.
Is Austin a good place to invest in real estate?
Austin remains a strong long-term investment market. Prices have softened 15–20% from the 2022 peak, inventory is at record highs, and interest rates have eased — creating a real buyer’s window. Short-term rental demand is driven by Formula 1, SXSW, and Austin FC, while population growth supports long-term rental returns.
What types of investment properties work best in Austin?
Short-term rentals perform well near downtown, the Domain, and event venues. Long-term rentals offer stable cash flow in suburbs like Cedar Park and Pflugerville. Buy-and-hold in West Austin has historically delivered strong appreciation. 1031 exchanges let sellers reposition into income-producing assets tax-deferred.
What Austin neighborhoods are best for short-term rentals?
West Austin — including Bee Cave, Lakeway, and Lake Travis — performs well for STRs due to outdoor recreation and proximity to the F1 Circuit of the Americas. Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, and East Austin command premium nightly rates near downtown. Always verify local STR permit requirements before purchasing.
Why is now a good time to invest in Austin real estate?
Austin’s market has corrected significantly since 2022. Prices are down roughly 20% from peak, there are over 115% more active sellers than a year ago, and homes are averaging 100+ days on market. These conditions favor investors who can move decisively while competition is low.
How does Ed Neuhaus help real estate investors?
Ed Neuhaus is an active investor who owns and manages rental properties in Austin and the Hill Country. He provides off-market deal sourcing, STR income analysis using StaySTRA data, cash flow modeling, 1031 exchange coordination, and full buyer representation through closing.
What is a cap rate and how is it calculated?
Cap rate is your annual net operating income (NOI) divided by the purchase price. A property generating 20,000 NOI that costs 250,000 has an 8% cap rate. It measures a property’s return independent of financing — the standard way to compare deals across markets and price points.
What is cash-on-cash return?
Cash-on-cash return measures annual pre-tax cash flow relative to cash actually invested. Put 50,000 down and net 5,000 per year after the mortgage and expenses, and your cash-on-cash is 10%. Unlike cap rate, it accounts for financing and reflects the real return on your out-of-pocket dollars.
What is the 1% rule in real estate investing?
The 1% rule says a property’s monthly rent should equal at least 1% of the purchase price to have a chance at cash flow. A 200,000 property should rent for 2,000/month. In higher-cost markets like Austin, properties rarely hit this threshold — which is why detailed cash flow modeling matters more than rules of thumb.
What is a 1031 exchange?
A 1031 exchange lets you sell an investment property and defer capital gains taxes by rolling proceeds into a like-kind replacement property. You have 45 days to identify the replacement and 180 days to close. A qualified intermediary must hold the funds — one of the most powerful wealth-building tools for investors.
What expenses should I budget for as a landlord?
Beyond the mortgage: property taxes (1–2.5% of value annually in Texas), insurance (0.5–1%), maintenance (1% of value/year), property management (8–12% of rent), vacancy (5–10% of gross rent), and capital expenditures for HVAC, roofing, and appliances. Most beginners significantly underestimate these costs.
How much money do I need to start investing in real estate?
Conventional investment loans require 20–25% down plus closing costs of 2–5%. On a 400,000 property, plan for 90,000–120,000 all-in. House hacking with a duplex, FHA loans on owner-occupied properties, and equity partnerships can all lower the entry barrier significantly.
What is the difference between appreciation and cash flow?
Appreciation is the increase in property value over time — unrealized until you sell. Cash flow is what’s left each month after all expenses — income now. Austin has historically delivered strong appreciation with thinner cash flow. Most investors target properties that at least break even on cash flow while building equity through appreciation and loan paydown.
What is a good cap rate for a rental property?
In high-appreciation markets like Austin, residential cap rates of 4–6% are typical — investors accept thinner current yields in exchange for long-term growth. In slower markets, 7–9% is more common. Short-term rentals in the right locations can significantly outperform these numbers due to premium nightly pricing.
Single-family home or multifamily — which is better for investors?
Single-family homes are simpler to manage and easier to finance. Multifamily properties like duplexes and fourplexes spread vacancy risk across units. For new investors, house hacking a small multifamily is a proven way to build a portfolio while keeping living costs near zero using owner-occupant financing terms.
How do short-term rentals compare to long-term rentals?
STRs can generate 1.5–3x the income of long-term rentals in the right markets, but require more active management, higher operating costs, and carry regulatory risk. Long-term rentals are more passive and predictable. In Austin, properties near downtown, lake access, or event venues often make STR the clearly superior income strategy.
