You're spending all this money on mailers and a call center to be in a very competitive area.  

Hi Aaron,Let me see if I can help with some of your questions:1-The fall and winter is the best time less competition and sellers willing to lower price if on market to long.2-The credit score is dependent on the loan type you are applying for Conventional 620 & above with income to debt ratio 28%/ 36%, FHA 590 & above income to debt ratio 28%/ 41%.

And there are so many flips in both counties that I do not believe anybody can give you an accurate number.Auction Prices: Super inflated/Competitive

Some of the auctions in NJ are online, and I've notice those are much more competitive than the auctions at various town halls.

You'll be able to learn how to use the MLS, about your market, how to build rapport with buyers and sellers, etc, which is essential and will give you a competitive advantage as a real estate investor.

Good deals are hard to find in Denver area, lots of competition with other investors and homebuyers.  

While smart on FHA's part, made it a lot more difficult for buyers/borrowers using FHA's program to purchase in higher cost markets since the rent to price ratio typically needs to be at .90% or higher (approx) to make this SS rule fly.Freddie Mac Home possible is another program that is promising to lift this requirement and still offer a very competitive low down payment of 5% for 2-4 unit properties.There are a few stipulations and an income restriction for the borrower to qualify, but in most metro  areas  there are no income limits in a predominant area of the city.

Easy to find qualified tenants here if your property is priced competitively, but not at the top end of the range.

We've been interested for a while but the market for investment properties in SA has been too competitive lately.

Since MLS is slow and competition is high in my area (Boise, ID) I want to try direct mailing  in to hopefully find a deal that meets the 2% rule or 1.5%.