Should I for instance be looking at a specific # of cash transactions from the past year put back on MLS as a benchmark to overly active market (say 125+), or can someone suggest other barometers to consider? 

Hey we received off market financials on a 64 bedroom student housing building.We have been heads down looking at apartments so this is a little outside our zone.But we were curious if we’re underwriting this how do we go about it since they are charging per room?

However I think you may also want to consider the position you put a short seller in (they are usually heading to foreclosure), when you tie up their property with a contract you yourself cannot close on, and you have to rely on finding yet another buyer to actually close.

Nicer Shower heads?

So that is a HUGE head start as well. 

For instance, you could be upgrading to a bigger home, or downsizing to a smaller home.

Hi Bailey,If you go you have the opportunity learn.If you stay at home, that's an opportunity lost.After a while with several properties you may not want to go every time though.For instance the Plumber charges you $12 for a Union...You can know what a Union is (and that he doesn't mean his local 225 Plumbers Union dues).What is PEX, what does it look like, and which brands are you paying for?

For instance, I live in Mooresville which is another great city near Charlotte.

My head is spinning now. 

I visited my bank this morning but their mortgage person works at branches all over the state and indicated he would try to call me in the morning.My W2 job is a 40 minute drive from home and most of the branches he works out of, while I have no problem dropping what I am doing and headed his way if necessary, since I only have a "may call back" I am feeling like I am going to miss out on a $50k future equity deal.