Rental income provides good evidence of your intent but is not a statutory requirement.One easy tweak to a strategy can change fix n flips from non-qualifying to qualifying for 1031s.  

If the appraisal is higher then the selling price would that be evidence that the property is at least at market value if not under ... even if only 5%?

Now it would be interesting to have a study of sales verse refinances done, but I doubt anyone will commission that study, but my anecdotal evidence has pointed me towards a certain conclusion. 

However, in competitive markets, it seems evident that most offers will offer standard/healthy earnest money, normal-to-fast closing times, 1-2 contingencies (inspection + financing), etc. as table stakes, and the deciding factor seems to be the top-line value of the offer.

Evidence of the lack of business knowledge can be found in the questions asked on BP such as; when do I need an LLC, I do I protect myself, am I liable, can I advertise a property if I have a contract but no license, can I assign this seller financing contract?????

The only evidence of intent is having a for rent sign in the front and my statements on here. 

If you don't turn it over to a Third party you have no evidence that you got a good deal.In my opinion that all is ridiculous.

The key is to have a well documented binder full of evidence.

I'm guessing it was a cash offer, and this was my first piece of evidence that not everybody in real estate is honest.

We have enough evidence that unregulated buildings and apts skyrocket in price due to the lack of supply of free market apts where you don't need to be on a 10 or 20 year waiting list for that those regulated apts.I think that in the State of NY, and especially in the City of NYC, if you want to acquire a residential investment, you are doing so where the future regulations are uncertain for at least the next election cycle.I also won't rule out Commercial RE to be untouched either.