One thing a new local PM company has been doing is reaching out to us to work more as potential partners than competitors.

On the mobile app (iPhone at least), you can click on Forum icon at the bottom, then swipe the top nav bar to the right to My Discussions.On my mobile app I am getting an empty screen, so there may be a bug there!

Plus, there are not many competitors.

It's not mandatory but it may help as a starting point if you have no connections.I would also look at your competitors and who worked with them on their projects.

So, again, as a competitor per se, I think they do a great job.  

It's even an issue with Property Managment Companies (PMC).Many of our local competitors get a paystub, ID and run a background check that just gives them a rating for the prospect.

If you choose the social medial, emails, PPC advertising and blogs, then there are tons of competitors in this internet space.

That's one reason we tend to do higher-end deals...fewer competitors. 

The appreciation just isn't here for Ocala OR Gainesville because not only does the LAND not appreciate, but the market dictates STALE rent because supply seemingly doesn't decrease or increase.The funny thing is that an equivalent duplex in Gainesville would run you exactly $85,000 + $5,000 in renovations (50th percentile average deal).I always try to make sure that my deals are at least better than 80% of my competitors, so I am essentially looking for an 80th percentile deal in markets that FAVOR the investor.The difference between Tampa and both of those cities is that the LAND in many of the more affluent parts of Tampa has appreciated a somewhat ridiculous amount over the last several years.

I believe local smaller competitor will provide much better service and perhaps even for a smaller commission.