In some of these markets which are perceived as "not great for investing" there is way less competition and investors have the ability to create great deals with the right strategy. 

While not an absolute rule, for the most part DSCR lenders avoid working with first time home buyers because of perceived occupancy issues, not too mention you have no mortgage trade lines or experience. 

I don't know all the differences but I do know that when you put something as common as a Texas homeowner's insurance policy right next to a homeowner's insurance policy from any of the other lower 48 and you'll immediately see the differences.Aside from that, do you think it may have been a true abundance of land or merely a perceived abundance of land?

HML at that price range become quite expensive, as they generally need to raise their points and rate to justify the smaller loan amount and/or perceived risk.

Here's the news from Bloomberg:http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-16/fed-ends-zero-rate-era-signals-4-quarter-point-2016-increasesThe stock market rallied in view of the stronger economy (or they perceive the economy getting stronger because the Feds increased interest rate?).

This can sometimes happen when a seller perceives a buyer as very interested and capable of paying more.Administrative or Human Error: While less common, there's always a possibility of an error in the counteroffer process.In response to this, you might consider the following:Re-evaluate Your Offer: Ensure that your offer is still in line with the market.

Here is what I take from this thread: 1) As a owner I can not control my emotions.2) Owners are weak and need to hide behind the PM hat.3) Owners are not perceived as being professional.4) Owners are embarrassed to take ownership of their rules. 5) Owner are required to talk to their tenants about their personal life.6) Owners are not legitimate business people.7) I am not capable of enforcing my own rules.My perception is that these are the comments of easy chair investors not landlords.

Last year, my partner and I didn't think we would buy anything as prices were "perceived too high." 

You are perceived as an apartment expert, which increases your credibility.

A college degree is basically the new high school degree if you want a white collar job--it's a necessity, not an option, so demand is not going to go down based on any type of perceived bubble.