Compared to other places, obviously housing is fairly cheap, but even here the market has gotten a little more competitive lately.

I'll give you a run down of the market and answer your questions.Firstly, understand that you are entering one of the most if not THE MOST competitive flipping market in the entire country.

Now there is so much more competition and everyone wants HGTV easy that it is just makes me want to puke. 

When you have enough positive cash flow, you will be able to continue operations, while the competition across the street can no longer replace carpets or advertise. 

Property was on the market for awhile and we did not have a lot of competition.

AZ and FL are great markets so you're on the right track, but they are also very competitive so you'll need to figure out how to find good deals.

In my area, your basic websites do the trick because there isn't much competition.

You still get appreciation, you get cash flow, you get heavy tax incentives, but the involvement I've found to be considerably less than residential.Not sure if this helps or muddies the water, just sharing what I know.

I was also looking around for a HELOC on an investment property and they popped up wtih what appeared to be one of the most competitive rates.   

Columbus Ohio is very a competitive market for small multi-family.