Utah is one of the most expensive states in the country.Not only that, but there's a robust wholesale community here which makes finding distressed and discounted deals hyper competitive. 

I handle St Augustine/Ponte Vedra/Palm Coast but can certainly help with Jacksonville and based on your goals there may be other opportunities to explore.To cover off insurance from previous comments, the market has changed and it is competitive with new carriers entering the market. 

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)

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.

It's very competitive in the Bay Area.

Here are some recommendations: Local Banks and Credit Unions: They often have more flexible lending criteria and can offer competitive rates for investors.

We focused on 1 and 2 br properties long before MTRs became trendy because they have lower price points, less competition, lower expenses, and while the tenant pool is smaller, so is supply.

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

Even if a family has high coverage, the insurance adjusters still want the lowest option so it's important to also be competitive. 

I like the product but their policies drowning them down in competition.