How are the windows on the property and how do they compare to your competition?  

It does not help that real estate is a highly competitive business given the number of realtors and investors out there.

Not trying to discourage you either it's an extremely competitive market right now.

Focus on creating a unique mailer so you stand out from your competition.  

Although there'd be less competition (other homes for sale or rent) in the less dense areas, it'd just be how lucky one could get that someone is looking to buy or rent there at the right time.Is this a good way of approaching it for a newbie?  

I just started emailing, and calling people on CL who were renting what I wanted since the area I'm in is so competitive and the market was pretty dry. 

With your score, lenders should be lining up around the block to give you competitive rates.

While I don't know the state of Miami, Las Vegas is highly competitive right now and isn't the easiest market to operate in. 

Would you look at these houses as golden opportunities to make money (less competition) or like to stay away from them?

I anticipate investing within the city limits to be both expensive and competitive, so beginning in outer areas could prove better.