Wholesaling can indeed offer valuable leads, but it's a competitive space where the best deals are often closely guarded.

I listened to a lot of RE agents and investors to buy before there's more competition if rates decrease and I could refinance later and raise rents.

Could offer competitive pricing compared to the laundromat, with added convenience that it is on premises and laundromat does not take cards.First step is to get a quote on bringing plumbing (and electricity) to this utility closet.

I agreed to give him $3psf for 1000 sf of floor tile after having a $1600 “+ materials” competitive bid from my B quality handyman who would have used the cheap spacers and the floor may have been uneven.

You may also want to check what your competition is in the local area.

Like you said, I will devote more emphasis on evaluating deals, making more competitive offers, and doing my due diligence when sourcing a contractor that can parallel my goals.

It is way more effective, especially if the apartment is a decent distance away.It also creates a scarcity mindset for the tenants when they see all the other interested parties and creates competition.

But if they are happy with 5% then it can still be competitive for you to give them that and pay the withholding taxes because most local hard money lenders will charge much more than 7%.

Could this hinder my ability to be competitive in the rental market when I am ready to list?

You'll get better price points on a distressed properties without the competition.  2.