Not necessarily as a means to attract more renters, but to do what we feel is right (the "expense" is already worked into the equation).

Quality of property, size, age, design, amenities, distance to attractions, and reviews all play a part. 

You can show timelines from start to finish, profit margins, etc. this should help prove competence and relax tensions (also wallets!)

Also, unless/unitl you have an larger amazing place with lots of reviews, you probably may want to make sure you are located a convenient distance from Palm Springs or another attraction.  

For someone working a full-time job (non real-estate), this option is attractive. 

Its listed at a very attractive price of $499,000 in southern california, and the area is going for $650,000-$700,000.

@Bret Rubash,To meet other REI people, you can attend REIA meetings to find others who share your interest.To get funding, learn how to attract and engage private lenders.A way you can learn to raise cash quickly is to acquire properties needing repair far enough below market that once you've completed repairs the fair market value is greater than what you borrowed from your private lenders to acquire and repair it.

For instance, once thing we try to do is only look at properties that are in good school districts because I feel that would be attractive to potential longer term tenants.  

Raising rents is a good way to increase cap rate and that's easier to do if you have a bigger unit that is more attractive to long term renters and families.

Is there a way to make our FHA bid more attractive than the others?