Just really depends on the competitive nature of the keywords you're going after. 

There is a an active (competitive) investment community here.  

You also have no Competition.

They might not have the terms you want but loans in that range are not very competitive to the borrower like larger loans are.The REFI should have been researched heavily with 3 to 4 lenders lined up before even acquiring the property. 

I wanted to see what strategies people have had success with in terms of buying properties in very competitive markets?

If you are in a competitive market or you are asking for a large discount from offering price any contingency may cost you the deal.

As immediately North it is uber competitive.  

I read an article on speculation of a global recession soon - I know there is always speculation, but hey it could happen!

Is their a ton of competition for the concept they want to open in the area??

Many BP pros are saying that Miami is very competitive and is only good for appreciation value, which I wouldn't like to rely on.