House hacking and competing against cash offers

[Emma Powlin]

Hello!

I'm a newbie investor/ first time home buyer and I put my first offer on a duplex yesterday located in Rochester, NY! Purchase price was $200K; my offer was $200K with an escalator up to $210K and 3.5% down FHA loan. Unsurprisingly, I did not get it. Are there any tips/suggestions for putting in offers when I am competing against cash offers, larger investors, etc?? This house was a delayed negotiations and received 12 offers. Rochester has some sketchy areas with extremely high crime rates, so the houses that are in "better" areas go fast. Being that this home will likely be an owner occupier for some time, I want to be in a safe area. Any respones are greatly appreciated!!