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.

(prorating utilities by tenant head count for instance). 

I currently have 3 partners that I can count on if I find something that makes sense for both of us, or in some cases, all of us.

I also invest cross country and love it.

It’s similar to how apartment listings are grouped by bedroom count and price.

Financing- build a relationship with a regional banker, don’t shop for interest rates, start small and build history and loyalty they are your team, Cross collateralize, deposit CD/MM or custodial account with bank for loan, give them monthly updates, nail your deal analysis, do stress tests on your deal analysis-cost/interest rate/deal length/ sale price etc. 12.

. :) Never crossed my mind and probably not yours either.

I agree that it likely doesn't count for concessions.  

In hindsight, this probably wasn't the right way to look at this, but we were counting on the cash flow from the rentals to offset some of the mortgage payments on our current home.

If things work out with this 2nd company, and I have one operating rental in place of two empty lots in North Port, I'll be happy(ish). ya I built 3 up in the Ocala area took way longer but they got done and we did make a very small profit on them but I count that as being very fortunate.