Another bonus is that there's very little competition for these types of deals.You might ask how I know that...it's because I'm the speaker at that meeting. 

AK isn't as competitive market as other parts of the country, but if there's another investor in your area, chances are they have already mailed to the absentee owners.Consider combining absentee owners with other motivated segments such as Owners with Low Financial Stability Scores (FSS) or Seniors with Long-Time Ownership.

If things head south and landlords have to become more competitive, having a tenant-focused approach will better position you to maintain your economic occupancy.  

We are not in any rush (we have until August) and are willing to wait until the spring market brings more inventory but we would like to get an edge on the competition and be proactive if possible.

Many times in a competitive situation I will write a contract stating buyer is purchasing the property at $500k.  

I'm willing to pay their asking price (if the numbers hold up, it appears to be around a 13% CAP rate with very little competition) and the other terms we've negotiated have been acceptable. 

You could also just set up a search in Redfin but the listings there are not updated as quickly as the MLS and if you’re in a competitive market that could be the difference of getting or not getting a deal.

Competition to lease up Class B Multifamily has been increasing over the last few years.

That area might be one of the largest markets for short term vacation rentals in the world, and the prices to hire a management company are very reasonable (read: competitive). 

In some markets, you can probably wholesale deals closing in 75-80% of ARV these days (very competitive markets with higher ARVs and lots of competition).