At the same time we've found MFH in a bit not as nice areas of Oakland (less maintained houses, not as new renovations, etc) but the prices have been incredible compared to the more desirable areas.

I know COVID-related temporary modifications DO NOT impact your FICO score, but are lenders taking note of COVID- modifications. 

If you haven't listened to the Bigger Pockets podcasts yet, they're an incredible starting point!

I have pet parrots who are incredibly sensitive to the toxic fumes given off from cooking teflon pans, and am concerned that the ventilation in certain homes may bring my tenants fumes into my own living space.

I do not waiver from that number, and I do not waiver from my criteria (credit score, income reqs, etc.).EDIT: I realize now that your question is more centered around how to know you're getting a "fair price," and that's based solely on comparables. 

After March 26th, 2020, it’s 20% down with a 700 score.

Above all has been incredible for me and several investors I know.

Incredibly time consuming.

I was In your position about two years ago, I think you're asking the exact right question:       "I am just trying to get an idea of what I am doing wrong in talking to agents"@Jonathan Greene gave you incredible advice and that is to find agents who also invest, they will have their finger on the pulse of the deals, get more deals across their desk, and not just concerned about the 'right fit' home for you but the 'right fit' for your portfolio.What worked for me was finding what top producing agents were working with investors in my area that were doing the type of deals I was interested in and targeted those.

Using CCs to fund RE is incredibly risky.