I'm going to pull the trigger on your Item B and keep the marketing machine rolling.

If my main objective was to lock out other buyers in a neighborhood (and I don’t want to own it all, as much as I just want lots not to be sold from the current owners), couldn’t I overpay for a few properties to distort the market price above what a rational buyer would pay?

You were definitely fortunate and smart to pull the trigger on that property when you did so congrats on that!

The Court reached out to me and directed me to meet the Sheriff next Monday 09/12 at 8:00 am to change the locks.  

If the current owner has a mortgage out on the property how can I get this place locked in still?

Finally I add value to properties including fresh paint, new light fixtures, smart locks and even adding a kitchenette of laundry room if the landlord agrees that it will add value to their property to create a "second unit" out of a bedroom suite with a separate entrance. 

When you are confident in the true as is value, you will be more confident when it comes time to pull the trigger.

While inflation continues to rise you'll have the loan locked in and a resident paying off the note for you while the value of the house continues to rise (if you're in a solid area). 

That is a specific type of creative financing used to acquire a distressed property to avoid triggering the sellers due on sale clause.

I use it to lock up a deal.