By the time I came out, they were at a clerk window, waving paper around and crying.  

They all cash flowed and of course he rode the appreciation wave from 2011 until 2016, but has since liquidated ALL properties and did 10-31 exchanges into larger apartment units OUT OF STATE.

Wilmington NC on the other hand has a continuing wave of Baby Boomers and their acquired IRA and equity wealth moving to town. 

My career gives me a good foothold for living comfortably and gives me a steady income statement that I can wave at lenders.

A very seasoned investor will have a different response than a seller with emotional ties to the property.If the house is in great shape, top of the market range for size/age/quality,  sellers are usually only concerned with price and who is most likely to get to the closing table...On the opposite end of the spectrum, if the property has condition issues, then it comes down to who is able to take on that burden (cash/203(k)) and get to the closing table.If competing with regular buyers, waving inspection/financing contingencies and buying with cash can make a difference, but that also depends on how deep of a discount you're trying to get.If competing with cash buyers on a distressed property, you pretty much don't have a choice but to wave contingencies and come in with a decent offer.

There were serious waves, no question.

It is smack dab on the beach in Waikiki with awesome views and the sound of the waves.

You wait and hold on to your cash like it’s a life jacket on a tidal wave, once recession hits rock bottom or settles, buy a ton of properties and start rehabbing.

Is the response to simply ride the wave and minimize the effects on your cashflow to the extent possible?

I can see how acting within this window can keep the 'in service' flag waving on short turnarounds.