For a retail owner occupant buyer, this might mean it makes sense to hold off on the house hunt until spring (= less buyer competition for those in the market).

Is it typical for the buyer to cover it all in a very competitive market as Atlanta?

Yes, america is like this all over, some areas more than others. the poconos are one of THE MOST competitive markets in the entire continental united states right now!

You shouldn't be thinking of cash buyers as competition and trying to beat them.

@Shannon RichardsonIt's not uncommon to have a hard time finding MFH especially if you're in the competitive markets.

If you're selling, take a good, hard look at your price and area comps and see if you can be more competitive.

Year 1 Lock down first investment propertyRent out current unit Develop relationships with contractors and establish remodel teamLocate hard money lenders and qualified investors in local marketMaster competitive market analysis and find opportunities Look at 5 properties a day to determine marketability Convert 2BR/2Bth unit into 3/2there are more but these are most important to me right now. 

I am looking for a broker that will provide interactive learning and development for new agents and a competitive pay split.

We are finding off-market deals through our connections with brokers and investors - so we are getting good deals, even in a very competitive market. 

So of the underwriting rules make no sense from my point of view, but because it's a competitive market, as investors we can just move on.