I know it's illegal to tell a buyer what other offers are on the table and I'm wondering if they used my apparent desperation to drive the price up?

Quick question, I work with a group that converts hotel properties to green energy and fully self sustaining properties.

With real estate recovering will you be able to sustain rent prices where they are? 

I did do a drive by on a few but this says more about neighborhoods than specific houses and their rehab needs.

Show the original picture of what your business is offering, don’t try fooling your customers as it can ruin your reputation.Customer Support Service – Offering responsive customer support service is very effective for driving sales.

Let's say you waited until after the tenant moved in to take care of that tree and their car is parked in the drive way or in front of the house, or has toys on the lawn, whatever, and a limb, whether big or small,  falls on their property, bingo you've got a lawsuit.Tenants may say they had to move due to you doing the repair because of the smell or the dust going on or the inconvenience.

Although investing out of your area is harder when you first start out, it may be a good idea to look within a 2 hours drive from where you are.

I can drive down the street and get a list of those from the County CAD.

I am getting frustrated with the MLS, Drive for Dollars and all the other basic strategies.  

drive around look for properties that might be in distress, tall grass , house looks vacant.