The ones using FHA or VA loans are also often writing contracts with the "no appraisal contingency" box checked to make the offer cosmetically "stronger," while simultaneously attaching the FHA/VA Amendatory Clause to the initial offer for seller signatures, that (seemingly) no one but Millennials has ever actually read.

I would be very interested to hear from long time investors who have weathered the storms either crashing-and-burning and coming out stronger or simply getting through the cycle bruised but not battered.Having searched for a topic and thread like this one, I don't think there is one quite exploring this aspect of real estate investing where we lay bare all our failures but it would be incredibly instructive to us newbies to learn from those who have gone before and come out the other side weary and with scars to show from the battle.Hope you will find int in yourself to share so those of us who are new can learn.

A significant earnest money deposit makes your offer stronger.

And both elements were stronger in Glendale (and coastal cities) than they were and are in Lancaster (and other lower end markets inland).

I concur that hold costs for the couple of months should be small; I don't know the opportunity costs (will the market for this spec build be stronger by building now than later, for example).

Much stronger! 

You will receive a lower cap rate on the lot rent for:  more pads (to diversify risk), stronger market, public utilities (over private utilities), and ability to finance with agency debt, to name a few.  

This way it gives you a stronger offer and let's you know what you can get approved up to along with meeting reserve requirements. 

Rental market is stronger than the housing market here.

Our thought is that having stronger positive cash flows protect the investment and potential downturns in the market.I'm also curious what type of deal/property you would still do in today's market given your knowledge   and opinion?