So, I've always found my own niches, where I didn't have much competition: Major rehab of victorian homes, wholesaling of vacant lots to builders, buying rental property in a neighborhood that most investors don't want to deal with.

The upside is that when you find these deals, you won't have any competition!

You could have a monitored security system installed for a fraction of that cost.

Finally having time to perfect my Ballroom/Latin/Tahitian skills and doing performances or competitions like I've always dreamed =) Opening up my quality second hand clothing boutique so I can pick and/or trade my clothing whenever I want.

.#2 is less common, but in markets like we have today in many parts of the country, there is a lot of competition for good houses, and many people realize that making offers at list price or below means a bidding war that they may or may not win -- so they offer over list price to separate themselves from the competition.

Reader's Digest version;In timeBy management through or by;changing use to higher and betterchanging external factors that lower valueincrease utilitymake improvementschanging perceptions of/for useincrease competitive advantage through regulatory changes for competitorsaccelerate debt servicereduce expenses-increase incomeThe end :)

As far as building goes that may be a little tough as well if looking to do it in Heights or Museum District, those areas get pretty pricey, not too mention the competition.

They'd rather live someplace more "house-like", with a yard and a neighborhood.I think your primary competition is the other duplexes in the neighborhood.

Take some time and seek out the competition in the area, looking at the popular vacation rental sites.

Call them Holiday lights if you need to- but don't miss these simple opportunities to promote your place as a "cut above" tthe competition!