In this case, the tenants have signed a lease, and to secure the property for an Aug 15 move in, some monetary consideration would be needed. 

Make sure all costs are passed through to the tenant, including all permits and approvals, maintenance obligations, tax increases, etc.

However, that doesn't increase your chances of getting the house, and makes for an awkward transaction.   

Would like to buy direct from other owner (No Real Estate Commission) with living trust money's but need to hold property in living trust not my name or get hit with high property taxes increases. 

is it better to wait until the risks of increasing supply and economic slowdown subside? 

We are not 100% decided on retiring there but it is a serious consideration.

I am helping investors with $0 down, $0 out of pocket Solar on their properties to increase the value of their properties for when you sell, flip or pull down.   

I realize the slow and steady way is to pay off the mortgages and increase cashflow, but it seems like that will take forever. 

When cap rates return to historical norms, values will drop unless net operating income increases.

We are still new at this and may not be taking everything into correct consideration, but we are looking to get the best return on our investment, both short and long term.