I was considering Dallas but there seemed to be fewer options within my price range (getting into a duplex/triplex/quadplex between 150-175k).

That's the danger of only thinking you know the area.

Remember, that fear you feel is the caveman part of your brain screaming, "don't go out there, it's uncertain and dangerous!" 

But bidders who either hadn't seen the property in the last 48 hours, didn't read the newspaper or watch TV, were feverishly bidding on a house totally rendered into a pile of ashes.As I always say buying property/liens at tax sale is the most dangerous way of buying real estate, no home inspections, usually can't see the inside, no home warranty and no do-over. 

Use hard numbers, like "average vacancy rate for company is less than 2%", "fewer than .5% eviction rate", etc.  

It CAN work with the right person/group but I do agree that many 'wholesalers' out there are inexperienced and can be dangerous to work with.

For your future contractors make it simple for them so they have fewer ways to escape their responsibility.

Those can be dangerous.

With fewer options on the table those looking for OF will pay the premium.

Providers in the current markets are battling one another for fewer properties.