For instance, in a scenario where several properties in an area are sold at a discount due to defaults, these sales set a new standard for cap rates in that area.

Depending on the owner's situation and using a variety of negotiating tactics, my business partner and I have been able to get significant discounts while buying properties from those owners directly. 

The proven additional cashflow may compensate for that a bit but that will be largely priced in and you may even need to discount the cap rate at sale. 

Over the past six months, numerous people talked and fantasized about all of the discounted deals that they planned to scoop up in multifamily.

You offer their services at a discount to your clients as your differentiator. 

You can buy at a discount.

(People often forget they’re getting a property tax discount for their primary so they forget that crime of telling the state it’s their primary home when it’s not.

steps to decide: 1-flush out the cash flows & sales proceeds of both scenarios, discount them based on what % of the return is likely to be realized vs "optimistic"2-find a delta in the cash flow of the risk-adjusted outcomes (pretend these are your most-likely outcomes)3-determine your time investment on the self-managed opportunity4-divide line item 2 by line item 3 and compare against how much income per year / hour your time is roughly worth5-if this figure is less than your desired income, avoid the time commitment investment; and if the figure is more than your income, buy the time commitment if you're wiling to do it.

On a long-listed property not only can this work but the agent/broker may agree to contribute (or discount) some commission to make it work.

Orlando is another great market where land is a little more affordable. only issue in Miami is cost of land. you can do it more efficiently in central florida. the same plot of land is about 1/3 the price and about 10 miles closer to the main areas. don't be afraid to look at tampa too. we are identifying gaps in the market where we can build and develop for others at a discount and they can refinance their cash out.