Licensable vacation rentals are obviously in high demand and offers can become quite competitive, I don't have any formal statistics but I'd say a quality active or eligible vacation rental sells at least twice as fast as a non STR property, the majority within days..My best advice to investors shopping for a hot or high demand asset class is:- Prepare & Practice: Get your ducks (GO UO!) 

Wilmington, NC was also mentioned as a potential investment location.Virginia - Richmond and Virginia Beach were suggested as investment options, especially for an investor located near those areas.Florida - Jacksonville and Tampa were two Florida cities mentioned, although there was a concern about rising insurance costs in Florida.Tennessee - Both Knoxville and Memphis were listed as possible 2024 investment locations by one investor9.

This entails being aware of the advantages it will offer to both parties as well as how it fits into their respective long-term company strategies.

We sent one of those “love letters” through our agent and he sold to us for the same price as the other guys offer because he liked us.

Is there a typical amount that may be offered extra to help them out after I come to my price?

It is much more of a working-class market than Santa Fe, where historically the market has offered a wide range of housing, from entry level to luxury homes, most being in suburban style neighborhoods and large developments.

Celina and Prosper, a bit further north, have seen a lot of growth, offering a country vibe but still close to Dallas for work.

If you provide seller financing, make sure you are a named insured on the insurance certificate like a regular bank. 

My goal is to find a property that rents well and offers decent appreciation.I've narrowed my search to the following Sacramento area neighborhoods: Citrus Heights, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and Roseville.

Currently it is not cash flowing, and after mortgage/taxes/insurance/maintenance, it is probably losing ~$1,300 per month (eww).