I had a good relationship with the listing agent and was able to structure a below value deal (beating out iBuyers and other investor offers).

Sure, because when you take rent payments out of the equation you can focus on the tenant landlord relationship and providing the best experience for the tenant.All the best!

An approach that we use is to provide value to the homeowner - especially to distressed homeowners.   

This may kill your cash flow due to high interests rates though. 2.

Quote from @Dylan Webb: Hello, here's my situation:My wife and I own several properties separately.2 of the single family homes combined we have conservatively $150,000 in equity ($90,000, $60,000) I want to use one of these as collateral for a small loan of $30,000 to put down on a high cash flowing property OR have a lender finance the whole venture at a purchase price of $160,000.

there is tremendous demand for inventory right now, and as you have already found high prices and high rates have hurt cash flow. 

I have to check on codes/laws/regulation, but I know CA is on a high of making thinks convenient to build those at the moment.

I would highly recommend you listen to all the podcasts from Kenny Bedwell - Cashflow Positive.

Unless you are buying at a significant discount, or are hacking it, or have some other value added strategy or plan.

You should just tell them up front you think they have no value.