While competition hadn't changed dramatically, we noticed some of the competition had pushed up rents on other 3 and 4 BRs in the area.  

LOOK at what ADVANTAGEOUS, what competitive edges do you have, how can those be best used to engage in the opportunities at hand. 

It seems like offering this as a separate package once you secured the booking is a good idea. 

Seller financing can be a fantastic way to get into a 4+ unit property, especially in a competitive market like Chicago.Have you started reaching out to owners directly or networking with agents who specialize in multifamily properties?

It offers little protection against negligence but good protection for contract disputes.

Hindsight Critique•Continue to build relationships to increase deal flow•Property manager (Mercer Hughes) is critical to completing renovations and quick tenant placement•Continue to build relationships with private lenders and personal investors•Have cash available to make quick competitive offers Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Alabama is very business friendly and there isn’t nearly as much competition there as some markets.

I haven't read this page to see what's offered as conservation incentives, and then compared that against your local market prices for "junk" land.

I have found it better to find new construction investment properties and buy after competition. 

However right now it is VERY competitive in the tax lien market so it is going to be very hard to find something good.