I have read: "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie, "Made in America" by Sam Walton, "American Sniper" by Chris Kyle, "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu and currently reading "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," "The Snowball: Warren Buffet and The Business of Life" by Alice Shroeder.

Last year 100% of our business came from our sphere of influence (the circle he describes above in green). 

So, if they show their max bid at $125k, and investors are only willing to pay $100k they usually won't bother bidding, and the bank takes it back for the $100 minimum opening bid. 2 reasons I can think of for an investor to bid it up, but below the bank's max bid. 1) Trying to show the bank what investors might be willing to pay, hoping to influence the price they can later buy it for, probably useless2) We had one auction rep who represented a bunch of banks, and was a real prick.  

And influence the path this takes?

My wife works for a global consumer goods company and is a travel "influencer/blogger" on the side. 

Also, try to increase your sphere of influence (people that you are already familiar with you) so that when you pass the exam and receive your license you have a good database to start calling asking for business.

There may be other factors at play that influenced their decision besides the claim.If you go elsewhere I'd suggest calling an insurance broker that specializes in commercial or multi family property insurance.  

Tell them about the "behind the scenes" stuff you did that can influence value too.

Simply add that info on your profile to be added at the bottom of each of your posts like mine is so you will not be penalized as yournew influence meter is reduced each time a moderator has to edit or remove something from your post.That said,thanks for the information and your experience/expertise in your field.

The only influence you can have is what type of rehab you will be doing on the house.