Things do cost different things depending on where you go (ie if you go to different PM, they charge different prices because some offer different services and different qualities of service-using your first example 5 Guys vs McD.   

That's why I'd rather focus just on the very few high $$ properties each year, rather than battle it out with the "regulars"on lower priced stuff, I think you're often better off looking at the other methods of finding them, OR maybe putting some effort into it but its no easy game there at all.Lastly, if you want to hear a TRUE story of FAILURE at the auction, here's one that happened to ME!

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

So you stating that I was getting a good amount of quality leads is incorrect.

I have been working full-time RE,  BRRRR method on single-family homes in my local area for the past 4 years.  22 homes completed-  (2 sold) 20 long term rented.  

Our underwriting focuses on the quality of the deal, relative to current value and arv of the property. 

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

The key is to build your portfolio slowly but consistently, focusing on quality over quantity. shervinrealtor.com

Construction Quality is key, there are some that are really basic, minimum code spec, and others that are quite high end, where it was built, on site or in a building and moved is not as important as materials and practices.

Make sure it is good quality furniture, though!