My wife and I are looking for our first home and, since the market is super competitive right now, we're trying to think outside of the box whenever we come across a property.The property we have in mind touches both it's frontage street and the street behind it.

Kevin, that rate might be a little high but not a whole bunch higher than the more competitive rates out there. 

You may be able to get a premium on student rentals by not requiring 12 month leases like your competition.

However if you can learn the rules of land, you won't have a lot of competition.

Like Gordon said, it would create less competition :]In your case, I actually think your sample size is too small and short.

Typically, it's 75% LTV for an investment property and the rates you were quoted are competitive.

TOUGH market though competition is KEEN

Popular area, competitive with Investors.

If the agent you have can not get it for all your properties there are stand alone markets for the umbrella coverage.The rates you quote would be very competitive in many areas.  

However, if you're in a competitive market, sellers prefer offers with less contingencies.That being said, if you feel like you might be backing out of a lot of these offers, I would say visit the property or at least drive by before submitting offers.