Prices will be low this year to get bookings and build a reputation, then we'll try to maximize next year.

This allows me to "give in" an hour with no consequence.  

A poor reputation is expensive!

Work with reputable Buyers; in our case, we work with the same lender each time - makes the process simple for us.  

It could be true, but it’s just as likely there’s another reason the current owner is quite aware of, and you’ll find out the hard way if you buy it.By buying on could-be or pro-forma rents, you’re buying as if the seller had put in the work to raise the rents, without their actually having to do so.It’s a great deal for the seller if they can pull it off, much less so for you.In the best case scenario you’ve already paid top dollar and now have to work your tail off to “catch up” to your projections by raising rents as soon as possible (sometimes with negative consequences as you pointed out, Fan).In the worst case scenario you find out there was a reason rents were so low (e.g., significant deferred maintenance you hadn’t spotted on the inspection and that tenants were bugging the last owner about for years).

Adding values is essential part of a business that heavily relies on trustworthiness and reputation -- just like how real estate agents get their clients.  

While reading through the documentation of the company helping me to set up the SDIRA, I can across the following language:Client understands that if IRA funds are invested in certain assets, there could be special tax consequences.

On the other hand, if 4 out of every 5 deals you do like this falls thru leaving the Seller empty handed, that indicates this is a bad business model and you'll quickly ruin your reputation as the guy who doesn't close deals. 

Consequently, the downturn in pending home sales in March and April served as a warning that May’s existing home sales numbers would be down considerably.

Its all about knowledge and your teamThe answer to this is because he has properties in Cleveland that he would like to help a CA sucker, I mean CA OOS investor, to acquire.Bob, I challenge you to find one reputable source (Case Shiller, Neighborhood Scout, Zillow (not the most accurate)) that shows a RE return for Cleveland higher than any of the large coastal So Cal cities (pick your city: San Diego, OC, Los Angeles, San Francisco) for small residential (1 to 4 units) buy and hold for any period of 10 years or longer (you choose the time span that you want (2009 to 2019, 2007 to 2019, 2000 to 2019, 1990 to 2019, whatever you want).