@James Wise Although @Steve Babiak has a nice shirt, it would stand out more with an upside down pocket.  

I can't speak for everyone, so I'll list the points that I stand out the most. 

But if it's zoned for a great school district or has some other amazing attribute like a million dollar view, you will fare much better.

For everyone else maybe just forget that I said this is for my first deal as I am just looking for general info on ways to make yourself stand out to private investors through a good business plan.

But for nicer areas that have higher price points and longer Days on Market, all the bells and whistles are a must to stand out.

I would make the building stand out with lighting, facade and landscaping.  

But, truthfully, if you bought in Brooklyn and live in one half of a duplex, you'd still be subject to some CG because you rented the other half - they're two living spaces, so the portion of the your profit attributable to the rental space (half, assuming both sides are identical) would still be subject to CG.

A couple of days later he decided to have the brick painted to make it stand out.  

My goal was to make my offer stand out and for what ever reason maybe have the seller pick mine over someone's higher offer knowing that i will close on the deal and if for some reason i dont well she walks with a extra 5k.

While I attribute the situation to a lack of professionalism rather than an act of malice, this type of behavior seems to be endemic in the wholesaler sector of the business.All my best to you on your future endeavours.