How do you move forward and submit offers in such an environment when your reputation is on the line?

In this environment, I would be a) trying to convince the seller to provide you with a low interest rate in exchange for giving the seller his/her top line number and b) making the argument that a lower down payment equals more interest paid to the seller long term. 

Ladder these to hedge rate risk in a rising rate environment.2.

This isn't inclusive but should give you a good start.

This isn't inclusive but should give you a good start.

Ask about their underwriting process, their leverage ratio, liquidity position, what are they doing with cap rate assumptions in this environment and how they are marking both their properties as well as their debts to market (if at all).

I wouldn't even think of doing 'landscape planning/architecture' in this environment without first flooding the place, seeing where the water flows v. where it pools. 

By heavily emphasizing location through careful research and selection, we give ourselves multiple options to pivot to over the years as the industry and environment shifts. 

I thing this becomes even more important in the environment we are entering into.What are you seeing for rates / terms and where?

This helps assure you will attract young 20 or 30 somethings who wouldn't mind a shared environment.