The first year was tight because of higher interets rates, but his tenants effectively covered about 70% of his living costs.

The rates are higher but the terms are great. 

32k or even 42k on a half million dollar house doesn't sound all that good.What's your projected cash flow after all your expenses including a likely higher mortgage payment than the current owners?

There they have a much higher likelihood to get tenants who will pay not to mention respect the property and make things easier for everyone. 

We have a website, SEO is better now and we’ve climbed much higher in the google search but struggling to get clients.

Or even missing out on securing a better deal, higher price, or greater return but did not do so, often due to a lack of negotiation or oversight.

Interestingly I don’t see any legislation or legal action against REAL wholesaling, which is purchasing a property at a wholesale price and immediately selling it a a retail or higher than wholesale price.  

More offers=higher selling price. 

For a 2 unit I'd like something around $200K, will go higher for more units. 

Older homes can be great and sometimes their foundations and their exterior building structures are a lot sturdier and of higher quality than newer builds.