Bigger Assignment FeesInstead of selling to investors looking for steep discounts, I market to end buyers willing to pay market price.

The seller had it listed for $25K above market.

I see a lot of newer investors getting into the market thinking flipping houses is easy money.

They can give you insights on specific neighborhoods and current market trends. 

Pending property prices in your market perhaps $25,000 is enough to buy a small rental house.

Quote from @Alex Olson: Kansas City is a great market for Build to Rent and traditional garden style apartment complexes.  

Myers Market Update Feb 2024 (biggerpockets.com)

Here’s why this market is so ripe:1️⃣ Mom-and-Pop Sell-Offs at Huge DiscountsA lot of these properties have been in the same family for decades, but now the kids aren’t interested in taking over the business or the real estate.

If OP can lever-up while maintaining adequate reserves, he will be in better position than buying with heavy cash position.  

It doesn't sound like you visited the market, the PM, or the seller in these markets.