Someone just put in an offer. lol Now, I have to decide to hold or sell after a counter.

For this reason, I would take inventory of the local banks within your target markets that offer financing options that best serve your real estate needs (again, usually the smaller local banks), and build depository relationships with them.

I FOUND THIS DEAL THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH I WAS TELLING DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN MY CIRCLE I WAS READY TO BUY AND LONG BEHOLD A BUDDY OF MINES WHO IS A REALTOR PRESENTED ME THE DEAL AND LET ME MEET THE OWNER WE HAD A GREAT CONVERSATION AS HE TOURED THE PROPERTY WITH ME HE EXPLAINED HE HAD HIGHER OFFERS BUT BECAUSE HE SEE IM A YOUNG GUY DOING THE RIGHT THING HE REALLY WANTED TO SELL IT TO ME AND THE REST IS HISTORY !

This platform offers excellent networking opportunities.

@Vidit Maini Starting your business as an LLC taxed as a C corporation offers flexibility but involves double taxation unless you elect S corp status, allowing profits to pass through to your personal return.For tax savings, deduct startup costs, track business mileage or vehicle expenses, and consider a home office deduction.

Invest with syndicators who have a narrow niche and proven track record.For example, if an operator has done 5 or 6 workforce housing value add deals in Dallas, and they are offering a similar deal now, that would be encouraging.if however, their current deal was a brand new luxury Class A building in Charlotte and this was their first acquisition in Charlotte and their first class A deal, as an LP I would pass.Find operators who do one thing and kill it in that space.Find operators who own or have gone full cycle with similar assets in the same market.For example, my firm, Spark Investment Group has a very narrow niche - sub 100 unit MF or BTR in Greenville SC.

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – and they often select the first PMC they call!

We had a couple "we buy ugly houses" type companies come in and offer less than even the lot itself is worth.

Whatever market you are looking, I'd consider putting out a cash offer. 

Quote from @Rick Im: I recently submitted an offer on a house listed as having 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.