Use the public records for your offer, and negotiate hard, I would add in the special provisions that offer price is based on $x/sq.ft if the house is smaller than the listed sq.ft the price will be adjusted based on the sq.ft. 

(specially with Multifamily experience)

Start by researching local agents who specialize in investment properties in the markets you’re considering.

I found this deal through my daughter and wife, who are both real estate agents specializing in commercial properties.

In markets like Indianapolis, you can find new construction duplexes with solid rental returns at a much lower price point, often in the $400k range or lower, with better cash flow than many coastal markets.I work with Neu Real Estate Group, and we specialize in new construction duplexes for investors, specifically designed to maximize rental income.

This morning the HOA on one of my properties located in Colorado Springs informed the owners of a "Special Meeting Notice" to ratify an amended 2024 HOA budget due to an unexpected high insurance renewal.

(specially with Multifamily experience)

NW typically does a high pressure fast escrow tactics... even have you bid against other investors... often double escrows... and sometimes even delayed possession. 

Networking with private money lenders or hard money lenders who specialize in real estate can also be beneficial.

I'm unsure how to stop this, but governmental action in this case I think is justified.This is probably a common problem in a lot of areas and could somewhat easily be addressed by special tax levies at the county level on any entity-owned and out of area absentee-owned residential property.  3x their property taxes and action will be taken in addition to much less purchases going forward.