We see a tightening or restricting of coverage, higher deductibles, more tedious underwriting requirements, and increasing rates.As far as deductibles specifically, it really depends where you are in the country. 

Or the owner is incapacitated in some fashion.

.: Quote from @Charles Perkins: Washington law gives tenants the option of paying the security deposit over several months depending on the lease term length. 

You missed an important item: Depending on how a person does #1 or #2, it could get them: A fast-pass to the "Principles Office" for "bullying" and now there sitting in "detention".... 

After that, it may depend more on the workload of the inspector.

Market might be competitive but there is angles to stand out depending on what you are comfortable and able to handle, such as waiving an appraisal contingency, limitng inspection rights and time frames, closing time frames, allowing seller to stay-post closing, taking on difficult tenants, buying properties that might need repairs, etc.

So that area is based mainly on ease of longer term (ish) rental income, with about 2-3 years stability depending on how often people PCS and the (somewhat) quality of tenants (bc you never know, even with military).

With investor's properties, depend on how risk averse they are, I fall under either just follow their criteria or maybe coach them my insight if I feel they are open to ideas.

The reliability of this method depends on if the costs provided by the contractors or subcontractors were based on actual costs or estimated costs.

Depending on how the tenant works out, might ask you a few questions.