In a way, I'm kinda glad to see that my 'competition' is so unfocused, uncouth, and overbearing (maybe it'll be a breath of fresh air when they run into wholesalers who care about them as a person, and sincerely want to help them get where they want to go?) 

Check the tourism statistics: number of tourists, length of the season if seasonal, competition from hotels, hotel occupancy rate, is the place gaining or losing in popularity;2.

It's very competitive, there are a lot of cash buyers, and a lot of ways to go wrong. 

Understanding that as compared to steady and predictable long term rental rates, STR rental income varies a lot month-to-month based on many factors: seasonal demand, competition, your standing on Airbnb or other platforms, your personal occupancy goals/philosophy (I.e., highest occupancy at lower daily rates, or Higher ADR with more infilled nights), personal usage blackout days, etc. 

My rationale for why this is the case is that there is a ferocious investor and retail appetite for properties so unless you're sourcing your own deals there will be intense competition and bidding wars.I've just started getting on the buyer's list of wholesalers so I'll let you know how it goes.

The market is very competitive, but I'm hoping persistence will pay off and I will eventually get a good deal.

They will give you competitive rates and are very straightforward.

If it has a competitive cap (using MY expense ratio and the current market conditions) then we move to the next filter.

DPA has been very tough to use the past few years....just way too much competition that isn't using it in the sub $300K range.With that said the market has shifted some the past 2-3-4 months and maybe a seller would accept it if they don't have other offers.I would just be prepared to make several offers and not get your heart set on one particular house. 

My goal is to provide the best service, of the best airbnb, that is offered at a competitive price in my town that locals and travelers would enjoy staying at and plan to come back!