I can understand Zero offers, but no showings would cause me to be taking a hard look at the properties local competition and see what the disconnect is.

The number of units probably has less influence than the nature of those units.A 200-unit apartment complex will run very similar to a 100-unit or 300-unit apartment complex but will run very differently than 200 SF rentals or even 10 20-unit apartments.  

If something has been sitting on the market for awhile - take that to your advantage to negotiate a lower purchase price / better terms.Cold call if you want to find deals directly and weed out competition. 

For months everyone was complaining about the competition of having to fight for properties against so many other bidders, and how quickly deals were turning so they didn't even have a chance to take a stab at it.

As long as it is competitive in the market and an attractive property, there is no reason to make any other changes.

Being not the most "handy" person in the world and not feeling quite ready for a BRRR strategy just yet, a newer construction such as the one in Ashland City I'm looking at seems like a perfect way to get started househacking, at a fair price and in way less competitive market. 

Easier to do in multiple states as you don't have to worry about taxes, etc.You only sell on price when you have nothing else to offer, so what are you going to offer to differentiate yourself from competition?

This is where I invest, competition is not as bad as NY 

With that many years on the earth i challenge you to find your competitive advantage as you will have distinct advantages over others in their 20s or 30s just starting out because of all the relationships you have built, skills you have acquired, and places and situations you have seen.

Shorewood marks the top end of pricing, lower east side is up there too, but very UWM influenced.