I feel like we are leaving something on the table by doing regular bank financing.

What do you bring to the table?

However, in competitive markets, it seems evident that most offers will offer standard/healthy earnest money, normal-to-fast closing times, 1-2 contingencies (inspection + financing), etc. as table stakes, and the deciding factor seems to be the top-line value of the offer.

(Remember, you're no longer the buyer) You could be sitting at the closing table, and you wouldn’t be able to legally stop it.

The option to use bath is still on the table but I wasn't going to leave two tub per unit.

Is it any wonder that US automakers aren’t able to compete with foreign makes?

I actually saw this house I was riding my bike to mountain bike.

See the table below.Renovate to Lower Maintenance CostsRenovation is transforming a property to increase rent, decrease time to rent, and reduce maintenance costs while spending the least money feasible.

Get some art, blankets, pillows, rugs, side tables, bookshelves (with books), etc. 

On to of that the partner whom goes in on this with me can get the major half of that 5k to repay then back in less than 5 years or so depending on how much they bring to the table....