with the market flat, contractors booked up, materials expensive and tremendous competition for deals it is very, very difficult for a new investor at this time.i've used hard money and also bought with cash and then financed the rehab.

it is very difficult - much more difficult than advertised, and more difficult now than it was a few years ago because of the increase in interest rates and the heightened competition for distressed deals.the issue is this: you're up against other investors and businesses spending tens and sometimes even hundreds of thousands of dollars a month on marketing. 

Secondly on a single location policy who is everyone finding to have the most competitive costs?

Brokering is too competitive for you to put up with that crap.I would never sign anything broad, overreaching, or in perpetuity.

There are so many short term places today that competition is tough, so adding something no other property has, being creative in design, something like that to stand out, people want a unique stay, and with a fixer-upper, you can do whatever you want!

One approach could be to reach out to tax professionals in other states with lower costs of living, as they might provide quality services at more competitive rates.

They have competitive rates and I’m familiar with their branches as well as their online platform.

The ONLY way for these syndicators to win every deal is by paying way over the competition.

A key takeaway from this deal was the importance of acting quickly in a competitive market.

The pre-qualification letter only says they've quickly looked at your application and think they can do the loan - not good enough in a competitive market.Some listing agents are requiring the buyer be pre-approved by the agent's lender of choice.