Even though your market might prove expensive, I would exhaust all options before ruling it out.Truth is, you have a unique competitive advantage in your market.  

We are really worried about lack of demand being a continued issue since our town may not even open our lake this summer due to storm contamination 🥲

Negotiations focused on securing the property at a favorable price, enabling us to achieve a profitable margin in a highly competitive market without requiring additional renovations.

It is more expensive but may not require an appraisal and can close in a couple of weeks. if I can wait then I use the most competitive rehab. lender after obtaining multiple quotes. 

Starting to look at possibly investing there.Great, but also expensive and competitive.

When you do there’s usually lots of competition.

Pretend to be a renter and shop the competition.

I do agree the lack of control is a potential issue.  

They often have access to off-market properties which gives you less competition.

We feel this encourages/trains good payment behavior:)We have several MoveIn Specials owners can approve like, free TV, Washer or Dryer (used), etc.Our main goal with MoveIn Specials is to stand out from our competition. - Just lowering the rent really doesn't do that.