Let them know you will buy a property within the next 30 days, so it can be with them or a competitor.

My bid was upset afterwards and I was contacted by my competitor so we don't keep upsetting each other and drive the price up--- shrink our margin and benefit the county.

Our biggest competitors are CASH offers!!!

Unfortunately there are many people on here looking for mentors and it is hard for a mentor because they have to invest their time, give away information which may have cost us to learn, and ultimately you may end up a competitor.

Clearly we are not competitors so I'd really be interested in hearing about what you guys are doing to pull deals together.

Lots more to consider first - His occupancy, the occupancy of competitors in a 3 mile radius, market rental rates, and the ability to expand on the extra ground..... 

Do you have competitors in your locale offering a similar business model as yours?

Maybe the more prudent question is what competitors in your region charge.

Many of my competitors will be out of business as soon as next month. 

These investors are looking at an equity stake to get 8-10 COC returns and 18% IRR over say a 3-5 year hold....and the competitors are in great markets, with experienced operators and conservative underwriting skills working for them.  10% won't get him excited if its risk capital.In a smaller partnership, the capital contributor who may also need to be the one that guarantees your loan is going to likely want equity.