This is why an experienced bidder or sherpa we'll always have the upper hand on bidders who act desperately.

Also, for right now I'm probably going to avoid value-add/fixer-uppers because of LA's rent stabilization rules.

You've received some great advice on this post from fellow BP members but ultimately, nobody knows whats best for you, your family, and your future business plans better than you.With your income, available liquid, interest rates as low as they are now, and location, I think looking into a 203K loan for a fixer upper home is an option that may interest you.

You can also find our group by typing Amarillo Reig in the BiggerPockets search in the upper right hand of the screen.  

I have a few buyers interested in buying a fixer upper and they cannot get approval with traditional financing.

Plus I love marketing so I don't think I'll be in a hurry to retire.I never thought about flipping duplexes but after looking at the market It looks like I'll need to buy a fixer upper to get a good deal and flip it for cash.

If its in a neighborhood thats medium income and a lot of rentals then its fine, if its in a nicer upper class neighborhood then convert it back to a garage. 

It's a fixer-upper triplex with fourth unit in the back, ~80k. the goal is to live in it and possibly do a BRRRR. probably looking at an FHA 203k or hold off and rehab it over time as i get the money, potentially using the cash flow to rehab it. 

Cut em down a bit, put in a chair rail for a wainscoting setup, then drywall the upper half?

Use the search feature in the upper right hand corner and read some blogs and forum posts on the topic to ramp up your education.