Most of us doing it a long time have developed systems so that we handle these things efficiently.  

Do I have to rub elbows with Elon to get insider development info?

High appreciation markets have low cap rates, good population and job growth.

For instance I was seeing insane growth and development in pasco county, wesley chapel areas outside of tampa, and actually had a hell of a time finding industrial space in Bradenton FL, so at least on the commercial side of things from my limited experience there didn't seem to be a down turn or softening, so its so interesting to here your take on your local market there as well.  

Plus the developer will take care of maintenance.

.: wholesaling is a dishonest business of people misleading sellers to believing they can buy their property, when they actually have no intent nor means to do so.Yes, and some developers use T1-11 and wallboard from China.

If the investor is paying cash then it could be more negotiable.If the investor is a developer this is probably all out the window. 

Targeting those lower-priced homes in South Bend for cosmetic updates has definitely been a strategy I’ve found effective.Your point about tailoring renovations to local demand—like appealing to landlords in South Bend due to the student population or focusing on features that cater to the RV workforce in Elkhart—is spot on.

Madison also has had tons of development lately in higher end apartments too so stay away from anything that would compete against them.

With the growing population and job market, there is a high demand for rentals.