I work at a federal job as well as work a side job designing and installing landscapes.

So instead of coming here to ask how you should phrase your rejection letter designed to keep their money why not just return it.You wouldn't like it if it were done to you and you wouldn't like it if it were done to your child.

(I declined, but you get the idea - I made myself valuable enough that I became attractive to the point where I was seen as an asset.)

I think the reason why this amount of work is possible is  because I switch hats from 'investor' to 'property manager' to 'designer' to 'general contractor' to 'manual laborer' (I still will hop in and help the guys on a rehab).  

Most people are looking on the internet for deals (investment and otherwise) and you can offer advice to investors on how to attract people that way.  

I mean I could complain about it but I'd be remiss to say I didn't learn a lot from those experiences which made me a better landlord now and I attract quality tenants.

I  have missed  out on several deals because I am investing using conventional financing and cash buyers are more attractive then I am.

Sometimes it just makes sense to pay it if you're selling for a great deal, refinancing at a very attractive rate ect.

There are plenty of other issues like hiring the wrong contractor, zoning/permit issues, helping buyers qualify, poor design choices, etc., but the bulk fall somewhere within those three buckets. 

However, it will be difficult to attract families with school aged children because of the schools situation.Anyway location matters more than price.