What do your competitors do? 

Nonetheless, you bring up a good point in that HML has a new competitor...less informed retail investors (like myself!)

@Andrew Beaver I look on Craig's List where we advertise and call my competitors to find market rents.Also THE DAY a Tenant tells me they're moving, I put a huge sign on the house and tell all the other Tenants and neighbors; This is a chance for you to pick your new neighbors!

Plan to renovate better than your competitors to rent or sell faster!  

All rates are inexpensive and good value relative to competitors so I'm happy with them.

However, the one question that sticks in my mind when I want to ask other investors for referrals of good investor friendly agents or contractors, or even just for advice, is - don't other real estate investors see each other as competitors, really? 

After I had around 350 investors in my network on their site they kicked me off; presumably because we're somewhat of a competitor now.  

The unit was installed in 1967 and I beat the next closest competitor by 4 years!  

That extra bit of personal space is very desirable compared to my competitors who do not have it.

Until then, you'll only find what you think you can find because you are working with a much smaller skill set than your competitors.