If Zillow loses enough critical mass, then either they will have to lower their price, drop it altogether, or everyone will simply go elsewhere.

How critical is it to own in a C class neighborhood or better?

I do these all out of state from San Diego so having solid boots on the ground is critical. 

Having a parking spot with the unit is critical for a downtown unit.

Sponsor 3 more multifamily syndication deals, hire a good VA to handle some of the more straightforward tasks in the biz, host a meetup every month, get to two stripes on my blue belt (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu).The good qualifier on the VA is critical. 

I could be wrong, and am open to constructive criticism on that stance, though. 

___Indy StarEx-Fox & Friends host Clayton Morris seeks $7 million from critic of Indy real estate dealhttps://www.indystar.com/story/news/investigations/2020/01/06/clayton-morris-seeks-7-million-critic-indianapolis-real-estate-deals/2799119001/___Bigger PocketsClayton Morris / Morris Invest House of Cards starting to fall.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/689433-clayton-morris-morris-invest-house-of-cards-starting-to-fall?

It's critical to avoid a situation where you purchase a second property, put significant money down, and then have to pay for a new furnace, roof, etc. at the first property.

Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate):The Capitalization Rate, often referred to as Cap Rate, is a critical metric used to assess the potential return on investment for a multi-family apartment.

Of course the analysis is critical...but there's an app for that...So for me 'old fashioned' contact methods ie: obtaining pre-foreclosure lists and direct mailings or just driving around and looking for distressed properties hopefully still gets one head of their competition to secure their deals.