Investing in a Competitive Market

[Bruce Ray]

I joined BP a couple of weeks ago and have been researching properties in my area. The majority of the properties in my area are between  $115 to $130 sq/ft. Rents average $0.95 to $1.15 sq/ft. I have been utilizing the tools on BP, but I can't seem to come up with numbers recommended by experts. I have bid on properties that have set idle for 100+ days, but as as I make an offer ironically some one comes in buys the property (seems fishy). I have looked out of state and see good properties, but I don't want to start out long distance investing. I fear I could get taken advantage of. Any recommendations.