So I'd be doing my best to get the highest possible rent/revenue but without needing or counting on that.What you refer as cut-throat competition exists in every market where you have demand.

The ideal home price for you will depend on: 1) downpayment size 2) risk appetite, 3) preference for more cash flow or appreciation.Given our price points, our investors need to have 35-45K to start, on average.The typical cash-on-cash return on our properties net of loan payments, insurance, taxes, and property management fees is 6-8%.Ultimately, you can obtain financing from any lender, although we have partner lenders that can provide very competitive rates.

It's very competitive in the Bay Area.

This is becoming more true for government employees clearly given the recent "Use It" act which will require 400,000 government employees to go from a remote to a hybrid role which started in January of 2024 and will continue to ramp up as time goes on (Source 1, Source 2)This trend will continue as companies realize more increasingly they need to be at least hybrid to be competitive.

If so, that's your prime market to start in because you have a competitive advantage of boots on the ground you trust of personal knowledge.If I were you, and new, I would not do fixers, I would buy turnkey or rent-ready properties or you are going to have to trust a whole lot more people to do what you want to be done.

You may not get the first property you offer on because if it looks good to you, you will probably have competition so start offering on properties that fit into your personal investment philosophy and meet your minimum financial requirements. 

It’s especially effective in eastern PA, where competition and inventory can be tough.If you’ve got $80K, I’d suggest capping your initial spend at $60-65K.

Price will be reduced to 1800 for the time being, which is competitive it seems with nearby properties based on the time of year.Fingers crossed!

Sounds like if you know and follow the rules you should not only be OK but pretty well insulated from competition (people swarming in and oversaturating)

For the few that understand this niche it can be extremely lucrative.Takes less money, less time and hassle, and there’s little competition.