Looking for strategies in a seller's market.

[Kevin Swanson]

I am living in Grand Rapids, Michigan and am interested in investing locally. I have yet to do a deal because I am nervous to pull the trigger when I consider the current housing market. In Grand Rapids, houses go on the market and are sold for over asking price the next day... I have put in offers on several duplex's, and have been out-bid by 5k + / all cash deals.

I am reaching out for advice on how to get into my first in such a crazy market. I am open to any kind of strategy - but would be most interested in a duplex, triplex, quad, or single family flip. I am an architect, so new-builds would also be an option (although I would need to reach out for other financing options as I could not afford to do that on my own). Any suggestions would be much appreciated!