This was a million+ deal so would of been a huge loss for the sellers if we weren't so patient.

I truly believe you are on the right path, you just have to be a little patient, plus it seems like you are doing it safely by limiting your risk as well.

I just graduated college, and I am working on putting back a decent safety net (large enough to have both a good amount of savings and a down payment).

In below video, at 9:05 mark, talks about apartment building with elevator and light bulb that did not work, which is a safety hazard.

I know this isn't the norm, however I do have some inkling that this luck is at least partially due to my rigorous and patient screening process.

I'm also patient, organized, extremely hard working, and goal oriented.

Buyers - however - are patiently waiting for sellers to adjust their expectations, so that they can get a deal. 

For a "regular" home, the life and safety items generally should be addressed. 

Investors Will Appreciate and Gravitate Towards Safety in Uncertain TimesI’m a firm believer at a base level, and whether they will admit it or not, most passive investors’ biggest fear is losing their capital.

You just have to be patient and persistent.