Now I regularly review my prices among my 3-4 direct competitors and adjust my prices to ensure that I am not the lowest priced option whenever I can prevent it.

While some of us may be competitors, we still work to help one another through our own problems with the insights and experiences we have.I have two questions.  1. 

Are they starting to lower their criteria in terms of proximity to competitors and cannibalization for new locations?

I agree, MLS deals are still a great source but in competitive market it’s good to have other sources to stay ahead of your competitors, I think.

The fish store was there for over 50 years, my dad patronize the place in the 1930's and by the 1970's, the grand kids ran the place.My dad also follow trends in retail area, and one time his favorite appliance store, at a busy intersection had to the close up, because a competitor, "PC Richards" offered more than the going rent, and up to 3 times more, than what the current business is paying. 

Looks like Hotpads is only apartments and houses.Here is a list of some roommate sites https://www.semrush.com/website/padsplit.com/competitors/ https://www.semrush.com/website/padsplit.com/competitors/https://www.semrush.com/website/padsplit.com/competitors/https://www.semrush.com/website/padsplit.com/competitors/

Will add the following as we bought a competitor 3 years ago, 150 doors:1) Check the PM contracts CLOSELY for income opportunities.

Carefully research where your closest competitor is and go visit them to see if there's truly any room for you to do it or if it "just makes sense to you."

If one sees that you're working with their competitor, the word could spread, and you risk tarnishing your credibility.

We always LAUGH when prospective owners tell us they are going with a competitor because they have a shorter and easier to understand management contract.