Small shop brokers that have access to multiple programs so that they aren't beholden to one or just a few loan programs will typically get the most competitive product for the borrower. 

With EPIC theme park opening in a few months, this area is seeing bookings pick up, but it is a very competitive and crowded market.

4) How do the finishes & amenities of your property compare to competitive properties?

Hi Max, I can speak about the Columbus Ohio market (as this is the market I specialize in) but yes, there is strong competition here and there are obviously some cash buyers and they will always have a slight advantage.

Hoping to avoid added competition in auction haha. 

Quote from @Kailas Tare: When deciding which market segment to target in real estate—whether it’s multifamily (MF) properties or single-family homes (SFH)—it's crucial to consider the dynamics of the competitive landscape and your own financial position.

Any tips for navigating the competition in such a hot market?

Perhaps it could be a result of the post-COVID market adjustments.More STRs on the MarketInitially, I didn’t feel the competition because my Airbnb is a studio, but since I’ve started working with other Airbnb hosts, I’ve noticed there’s definitely more competition than I thought.

They also have a good understanding of different lenders' appetites, and thus can save time by filtering out lenders that won't be competitive. 

However, it’s important to price competitively and be prepared for buyers to request concessions.