Buying Effort Stalled, Do I Persist or Pivot?

[Aris Spenjian]

I'm trying to buy my first out-of-state fixer-upper investment (BRRR'ing) in Indianapolis. After a 2 solid months of searching and making numerous failed offers, I'm wondering if I should continue and give it more time, or if it's time to change something with my approach.

1) Many houses are under contract within 72 hours of being listed, and I can't get a bid in fast enough despite jumping on a property as soon as it gets listed. Is this market too hot right now and I should try another?

2) My agent is a really nice guy and has given me some great insight, but he drops the ball sometimes on tasks I give him, requiring me to follow up and remind him semi-often. He also rarely proactively comes to me opportunities. Am I expecting too much or should I find a new agent who has more hustle?

3) Several properties I lost out on have sold for as much as 25% more than what my own calculations could justify. Am I being too conservative in this hot market? Should I adjust to prevailing market rates, or continue to be conservative in my analysis?

4) Am I being impatient, and should just continue chugging away until something works out?