In alignment with Jason's suggestion, it is advisable to explore various financing options for your property acquisition, potentially enabling higher leverage.Regarding the advice from your Realtor advocating for more expensive multifamily properties due to reduced competition, it is crucial to critically assess whether this aligns with your investment objectives.

I've always had this dream of a beach home within walking distance to the beach, so I realize I probably need to back up and look at this more objectively instead of emotionally when it comes to extra wear and tear and higher insurance costs, weather impacts, etc.

This gives you an objective third party as a witness and it ensures the charges stand up in court.What you experienced is very common in real estate investing.

There's no good strategy without an objective. 

@Dante AndersonObviously it depends on your objectives, the deals on both sides, ..., which we know nothing about.

If you think your offer might be a lowball, and you don't trust your agent's  advice on whether it's worth the try, then evaluate your objectiveness or get a new agent.There are so many potential problems that can arise if you talk to listing agent or sellers agent prior to speaking to your agent. 

Remember, no system is perfect, so avoid the temptation of constantly chasing after the next shiny object.

No system is perfect, so don't waste your time chasing after the next shiny object.

(an objective fact) By comparing yields across different investment vehicles, for many investors real estate is no longer worth: the capital, the work, the risk.You can be bullish in real estate today by saying: I believe the Fed will not increase the supply of new builds to the market over the next decade.

Some want to acquire an asset in an area they enjoy visiting and are less focused on optimizing profit and others primary objective is to maximize returns.