Daughter is class of 22 and has a new job in Austin. She already has a two roommates lined up, but none of them actually live in Austin yet. I'm not really familiar with Austin. Is the best way to find a place to rent through a real estate agent, or are the locating services a better option for them? tia.

I would talk to a few apartments locators. It free to the daughter and sounds like a good fit for an out of tower.

Not sure what area of town they want to be in but there are always duplexes in my neighborhood (Brentwood) that three could probably make the rent work.

Ryan is a good Ag who can probably help

https://iconrealtytexas.com/ryan-machala/

Looks like on to bigger and better things but probably could make a good referral

Austin Apartment Dude, long time friend who moved back to Texas after giving up on trying to be a ski bum for 20 years. All he's done for the last 12 years are rentals he can find them anything they want in any part of town.

If she's looking for something short term until the roommates show up then maybe check airbnb? We lived in this small casita (essentially an efficiency apartment) near Mueller area for almost two months in between our lease ending and our house being finished. Little pricier now than a few years back of course but could be something to consider since this place (and others) offer discounts for people staying on a per month basis.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2406891?adults=1&children=0&enable_m3_private_room=true&infants=0&location=Austin%2C%20Texas%2C%20United%20States&pets=0&check_in=2023-12-01&check_out=2023-12-29&federated_search_id=b8713985-25a6-4d6f-808b-8cea9fad83dd&source_impression_id=p3_1684765863_jpOcE9Gu%2BnrRmYQV

I'd be happy to help too! I'm the Austin rep for Red Pear Realty and we are proud sponsors on TexAgs. My info is in the link below.

Felipe Mendoza

You might also check the big chains on your own like Gables and their are lots of non chain in Hyde Park, Crestview and Allandale