While I might consider an area to be "C" class, someone else might consider it to be "B" class.A lot of the minute details is going to depend on you and your perception. 

Or that they’ll be able to use a highly sophisticated technique that can really only successfully be utilized when all the stars align and in circumstances that occur irregularly and need to be recognized as such, always by an experienced real estate investor.  

At that time I am not sophisticated enough.

The problem, if there is one, is the perception that one should get all of your money back out of a property.

Nicholas - what advice would you give me to help change this perception that BP has made everyone feel like they’re missing out, even if that means investing in expensive deals?

You listed two but in broader terms financing (assumable, owner financed, sub to, fha, new 95% OO LTV that in most ways is superior to FHA, dscr, F/f conventional, NACA, VA, etc), value adds (development including ADU, upzoning, traditional rehab, sophisticated value adds that leverage localized rules, coop/tic, etc),  property types (residential, commercial residential, land, storage, MHP, industrial, office, camping, hotel/motel, etc), passive/active investment methods (GP, LP, REIT, nnn, self managed, pm, flipping, mineral right, lumber rights, etc), residential rent models (LTR, STR, MTR, rent by room, student housing, arbitrage, etc).  

While some point to tax benefits or the potential for higher interest rates compared to banks, the real motivation is usually the perception that the seller can secure a higher price by offering financing.

I think that piece would speak to the more sophisticate audience.

But sophisticated investors have a certain asset allocation mix with REI say 10-80% of their portfolio.

a gas station should only be purchased by a sophisticated purchaser- not a novice purchaser.