In Cook Institutional were never a huge issue as it is always extremely competitive anyway.

They need to have a picture of that local community in setting competitive interest rates and programs.

A million dollar listing and a $50k listing might require different outfits but I think its safer to check out your competition.

One more thing that I can't stress enough, the 70% rule is a guideline not a rule, and it will vary a lot based on the value of a property.So on lower priced homes you may have to get 65%, where as on higher priced homes you can make a nice profit from 75%.The same goes with demand, if your in an area that has a lot of competition to buy distressed homes, you may die waiting to get a deal at 70%, and you should expect to pay a bit more than what the 70% rule says.

My markets are all very competitive for houses under $200K.

Shifting the cost of utilities to the tenant when you competition has utilities included may not help you much.If you competition does not include utilities, then raise the rent to compensate.

In fact we have friendly competitions on who has learned the most from the website.

Just keep it priced competitive with the actives and you'll be fine.Another site I use is padmapper which maps the craigslist rentals

In DC, some may go as high as 75% ARV or even higher because our market is so competitive, it is difficult to buy at 70% ARV or less; so the investor takes on more risk for less profit.

Or how about $400,000 duplexes in gang heavy neighborhoods.