However, in a competitive market, if a seller down the street from you is offering to pay the buyer agent commission, the buyers are likely to choose that house over yours since they won't have to pay their agent out of pocket.

It's not just expensive it is very competitive.

In that case, my advice is to try to find a property as unique as possible as the competition for rentals is going to get even more intense given the huge amount of supply that's going to hit the market in the coming years.When it comes to Mexico, I'm first and foremost an investor.

Wholesaling in So Cal today is difficult due to the high competition for deals by both rehabbers, buy and holder speculators, and wholesalers.

But I would also say this could be a great way for you to get more exposure to other investors and properties in your area and by building strong relationships, you may be able to find a cost savings competitive advantage. 

Regarding the cost from what I can tell it's in line with similar competition like KKOS.

Are you set up with amentities that beat out local competition?

Some homes are getting multiple offers, and I'd consider it "Mildly" Competitive for the deals that are going.

I would not pay above appraised value for an investment property unless I knew it had some competitive edge that would increase its value considerably (ie. it was a subdividable lot or allowed for other uses that enhanced value that were taken into consideration).

My dad put on an international micro housing competition last year here in Denver, utilizing a real site in the RiNo neighborhood here in Denver.