Scammer copied my  CL ad and photos, t hen offered the place at a lower rent to attract more attention.

OC is large, so in "gentryfied" OC, you're right around SFR range at $340k, but in other parts, (& safe) you'll be fine.I would suggest, if you care, to consider a fixer.

does this other realtor care about taking my income away from me as a Mortgage Broker?

I would put the neighborhood or nearest major cross street if that's more precise/useful.I would be careful sending out a flyer to buyers, that you don't advertise as if you own the property.

Be careful about the markets you get into there as not all of them are good, but many are.

Heck maybe other bidders aren't making any money on the properties they are buying.Regardless, be careful about chasing deals, stick to your numbers.

Now gotta be careful how it's written on the sales contract as can't be part of the value of the property, but rather listed as Chattel (Personal items to be left with the property)Think outside the box!  

I would just chalk this up as a lesson learned and make sure you get it taken care of.

I served 21 years and wish I knew then what I know now.I think it's an excellent opportunity but I would also say you should be careful about what type of property you buy.

Take care.