Quote from @David Colthart: Today's Question: Big picture, what actions can I take to increase my chances of success on my first Cleveland or Columbus BRRRR?

Also, there's a better chance it will survive the first tenant.

For brevity's sake, I understand the merit of seller's not paying professionals to negotiate against them and I am a proponent of brokers having greater flexibility and influence on compensation allocated, as it provides all parties greater chance of compromise. 

Some of these cheaper vacant land properties get bid up 700-800% over the lien amount because there was a decent chance you could get the property . 

My best tenants seem to be people looking for someone to give them a second chance. 

You will usually have a chance to look at the property before putting down a deposit, but don't count on scheduling your own inspection.

Chances are you get the property and will never be paid interest. 

I hope there might be a chance for new STRs, but I am not holding my breath.

What @Jay Hinrichs is saying is that if you go before a judge, and you show that these leases were signed for significantly under market value and signed just a few days before closing, there is a good chance the judge will side with you because it is an obvious attempt to pay less rent and take advantage of the new owner.I think your next move should be to contact an attorney in your area who specializes in landlord tenant laws in NJ, and see what they recommend. 

Yes, the spring/summer season sees demand ramp up, but that doesn't mean a house listed in December won't sell.If you buy in October/November, chances are you won't be listing until January, anyways.If I had a house completed on, say, December 15th, I would likely sit on it through the holiday season before taking it to market, but I would talk to realtors.