My only issue is that most of them are posted in pending status.

why is it not pending two weeks ago?

CA investors who don't understand the midwest > annoy the heck out of sellers > Sellers tell them to go away, and I swoop in as it leaves pending status...I guess that is becoming my strategy... haha.No really though, I invest in Southern Ohio.

Rents in the adjacent 4-plex building (pending a deal at $225,000 but not updated) are $410 and $500 for the 1BD and 2BD units, respectively.

I guess I was assuming it was slow here because I had called about a few rentals I saw listed, just to feel them out, and they had no pending applicants....but I guess it could have been that they hadn't received any qualified applicants, perhaps. 

Offer accepted on my first deal (triplex) and inspection pending (WA State).During my initial walk-through, I met a couple who seemed to be more than knowledgeable about the property, possessed keys to storage areas (possibly other units too), had special parking spaces, and stated that they take care of the things around the place including the large yard in exchange for lower rent.

Checked on it today... and home has a pending offer so I see someone also saw this as a good buy and fix.Your method sounds like an excellent way to seek contractors in specific areas. 

My 1940 Rehab is Pending in Escrow.

Walk away or sign contract pending boundary adjustment and see what I or seller can work out based on knowing there is a valid offer?

While appraisers do need to include actives/pendings in their report, a sold comparable will carry primary weight.