If all your competition is doing it you probably should to.

Most businesses need debt to be competitive.

In a competitive market like Reno, NV flips are rare and generally get multiple offers and are in contract in a week.

Also, side note I invest and live in the Metro Detroit market which is very competitive. 

I think many investors are going around that rule in Baltimore City, so I assume they are doing it in other counties.Not trying to pick on you as you are 110% correct and understand you are just reporting the facts on the ground, just I think the logic about this, about “off market” deals is kind of off, like there are plenty of ways to make money skirting the rules, taking advantage of old people etc, and there are more profitable ways than real estate to do that, at that point your not really a real estate investor, your just someone making money not playing by the rules of your competition and taking advantage of people, which to me shouldn’t be considered “a real estate strategy”

Ensure the facility is legally permitted to operate as self-storage4.Evaluate the local market conditions, including occupancy rates, rental rates, and competition from other nearby storage facilities.

Cleveland is going to be more competitive that the Dayton market.Why are you looking for a fixer upper? 

This corner of the single-family market at or below $350,000 is currently hyper-competitive. 

Is this competitive or does this seem expensive to you?

You can see what your competition is charging, what amenities they offer, and how booked they are into the future.