I survived the same way that everyone who ever sold anything survived, by "implying", politely, that there were services and products that I could provide that my competitor couldn't.

You don't need to pay someone to learn the business - your new friends at the REIA will be happy to help you (mentor you) for free.To answer your question, NO, I do not view the other members of my REIA as competitors (including new investors).

I understand there's a huge competition but your competitors will stop mailing after 1-2 touches and you can stand out from them by continuously mailing another 4-5 time.

Today he sees an advertisement for the competitor's storage facility.

You may also want to check your competitor for 30+ day stay so your rent number is competitive. 

Our deal has plenty of issues too (AE floodplain and more), which make the price right for a BRRRR in a B neighborhood and scared away juuust enough competitors for us to be in the running (just barely, for us!). 

I had used Eclat for filing 1099s only but I'm using different sources now...mainly because when I questioned my billing as opposed to competitor pricing, Eclat literally said 'If I had volume like the other two people that you mentioned, I could charge less too."   

I basically always use cash or my chase credit/debit card.Happy swipIng :)

Like he said, check your competitors.

This might be difficult if they see you as a competitor though!