It seems like companies are competing and lowering down their skip tracing pricing.

Purchase price: $49,000 Cash invested: $3,000 We purchased 5 acres with no deed restrictions or HOA and continue to build out rentals/lots on the property.

I'm probably usually closer to $500 for reasonable furnishings. 

Only turnkey properties which I rent for 1% to 1.5% of the purchase price.

no reason to retitle the property. although I think you have the right to do it in many instances. but why ? 

If you brought a bad deal because you brought on emotion, learn to take emotion out of the situation and research the numbers more to know what is a good deal and what isin't.Look at the past sales(90 days) of the area that you are interested in buying.Understand what is a good price per square foot and know what streets are good / bad.The wealth in real estate are made when you buy and when you hold.If you buy bad, it makes it a more difficult process.Best of luck

The RTP area, comprising cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, is an attractive option for several reasons:Strong job market and population growth, driven by the tech, research, and education sectors, ensuring consistent rental demand.More affordable home prices compared to Charlotte, allowing for better cash flow from rental income.Areas like Cary, Apex, and parts of Raleigh have newer construction townhomes/condos that fit your criteria.Potential for long-term equity growth, as the region is seeing steady appreciation.Some recommended areas to consider near RTP:Cary (especially newer developments like Amberly)ApexNorth RaleighDurham (for slightly lower prices)Charlotte is also a solid option, though it may be more expensive:Strong financial/banking sector driving job and population growth.Higher home prices but potentially higher rents as well.Newer townhome/condo developments in areas like Ballantyne, University City, and South End.Robust long-term equity growth potential, but higher entry costs.

It is based off the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price.

Looking at the homes on the market, prices vary wildly from $~200-$400+/sqft and it doesn't seem to correspond to just the quality of the house.

Unless you are terribly priced, or have a severely limited customer pool, turning people down is going to be part of the business.