Upside would be liability protection as you seek.

If it is a trade you seek as opposed to a g/c or handy man, reach out to local custom homebuilders, the guys doing a few houses a year,  in general they like to promote the people who do good jobs for them.

Should I increase the bid to their asking price?

No special development taxes...Sold One year now, 16% increase in equity.

I would assume that with an increase in renter occupied units in an area, the competition would be higher and therefore it would make sense to go outside of the area of competition (given other demographic information indicates the area is still appropriate for a buy and hold strategy).

We've seen a huge increase in inspections, and they are very closely looking at roofs.

My rule of thumb for rehab costs is try to gain at least $2 value increase for every $1 spent on labor and materials.

Looking to expand my portfolio and seeking lenders to partner with to grow my business.  

Some towns have brutal rent control ordinances that can prevent you from increasing your annual rents. 

Is it true that you can increase the price of a home that is offered with seller financing so perhaps this amount offsets the discounted payoff offered by the note buyer or at least this increase may pay all or some of the Realtor's commission?