Marion oaks has become harder to rent because of the amount of competition but I like it for long term because that is the side of town with the most growth.  

Not sure how far you are from Chicago proper, but the ULI (Urban Land Institute) is a global group with chapters in most big cities. 

As a mortgage professional for twenty plus years, I can share that the mortgage market is similar to other competitive industries.

If you expect to create significant wealth via RE passively in 7 years, it is my belief that it is unlikely in the current high rate, high priced, highly competitive market. 

Also, the listings I have received these offers on are all in a good part of town, priced competitively with comps or a completed appraisal, and either recently renovated or not needing much updating. 

Even if you did hold the golden key to success what would cause you to want to create your own competition unless you was trying to sell some program, mentorship, or some other benefit from doing so?

There are facebook ads almost daily.The competition is fierce.

This could suggest a shift towards a more balanced market or even a buyer's market, where there is more inventory available and less competition among sellers.The Median Days Homes are On the Market is 18, which is relatively low and suggests that homes are selling quickly in this market.

But I feel the competition is not as much.

Quote from @Jacob Sherman: ground up construction is always much cleaner . in a fix and flip there are many unknows that may pop up after the demo stage is complete  this guy knows what he's talking about. forget fix and flip. new construction also appraises 20% above at least existing depending on age plus land cost is cheaper and less competitive, especially in markets like columbus