In the competitive landscape for real estate investor websites, the truth is low-cost SEO isn't going to get you deals that make you money. 

2) How often are they sending you updated rental comparables to discuss price adjustments vs making improvements to meet the competition?

I agree but it is (although waterfront) about a 10+ min walk to the beach and all of the competition has it included unfortunately.

Aside from the risks I mentioned, there is the increasing competition and ST rental income is never truly turnkey or passive income, even if you use a manager.Even for you, if you sell for $1.75 million, all you'd need is to reinvest the proceeds of the sale at a 12.5% to make $220k so the relevant return is 12.5%, not 23%.

@Jasmine HuNot sure I would go to Memphis and don’t know the VA markets.I’m in Greenville SC and love that market - midway between Charlotte and Atlanta.Booming population, income, and job growth - not as competitive as the NC and Florida locations.As you note insurance costs are in issue in FL and probably in Wilmington too.To add some additional context, one can invest successfully in most markets.For me, knowing your market is as important if not more important than selecting a market.

You'll want to get prequalified and know exactly what you can afford because the market is super competitive and you'll need to be ready to make offers quickly once you find something you like.

And many investors have paused their buying so I’m seeing less competition and able to make low ball offers to secure these homes.

Conventional financing will offer the most competitive rates but can be more income restrictive and can be unscalable as investor portfolio expand.

Being on the higher end of things helps with less competition, CoC returns 8-15%+ definitely still more than possible!

The intent is to cut down on the cost of applying for rentals, particularly for renters that have to apply more than once in a competitive market.Do you support this?