Even on first glance this is obvious.So I'm spreading the net further, not so much that I'm considering an "out of towner" strategy (valid though that may be), but enough that I need to identify a set of solid objective criteria to help me to determine which neighborhood(s) on which to focus.

You're the only one who can value your cash on hand, in light of opportunities, your abilities, your laonability, it's objective not something you can actually put a rate on (except as to missed opportunities) as by the time you arrive at a number, it will likely change.....

Cash deals, make sure to go through the title properly before closing and raise any objection needed.

You weigh it against other investment opportunities, amount of risk that you're comfortable with, inflation, and your own objectives (near-term cash flow?

Block out all other shiny objects, put your head down and plow in.

Write down what your goals and objectives are for this year.

So if I were you I’d eliminate this objective from your business plan.  

There are personal objectives you can take that would put you at an advantage to sell instead of fear selling.

My objective with this cabin is to sell it and buy another cabin as a vacation rental property (the current cabin is part of an HOA that does not allow renting).

The object is to get net proceeds from the sale to be the downpayment for  the 10x