Or are these compromises necessary evils in hot metro areas?

If I was in a market where buying more rental property didn't make sense, I would probably eliminate the little bit of leverage I have, as I'm willing to trade rate of return for principal protection, which is really what you're doing the greater your cash position - not to say your principal can't be compromised (i.e., the house goes down in value), but that you stand lower chance of losing the asset altogether (i.e. you can rent it for really cheap if you had to, or it can be vacant for months because there's no note/a small note to pay).

We found in Destin we could buy a 2 BR/2 BA condo within that budget, but we had to compromise on something (usually the great view).

To do so would require that I compromise my standards.

So if/when something comes up that will compromise the outcome of the job I tell the owner immediately.With respect to your painter or the guy you had repairing the soffits.

Not insidners in the traditional sense, but rather compromised email accounts/data systems.

@Peter - that does seem like  a very fair compromise- thanks😀

You always have to consider both and take heed compromising one for the other.Jeff S.

While it is true an external inspection will be compromised or impossible, you can usually have a good romp through the inside (attic included).  

And you don't have to compromise on selling at good subdivided profit.