The main problem I see with my local competition is that all they have is the IDX and some basic info about themselves.  

One sure-fire way to make a loan into a security is to have multiple lenders contribute to the loan, called fractionalizing the note. 

We don't openly breed competition, because our targeted markets are often narrow.I think you need to secure a paycheck job, and work real estate on the side until you can learn, and build up some capital.

Will investors on BP that are investing in a certain area freely share their connections or do they keep that information to themselves in order to avoid competition?

While the MLS is usually the most competitive places to find properties, many of the other methods are detailed in the BP podcasts and thoroughly discussed in the forums and blogs available to you right here on BP. 

I honestly love some healthy competition.

I figure if a novice can do it maybe I will have a competitive edge.

My experience with HUD homes is that the bidding is pretty competitive once the owner-occupant window is up.  

I started a blog (www.miamirealestateinvestorshq.com)for local Miami / South Florida Real Estate Investors to provide articles and information to aid them in navigating the very diverse and competitive market real estate market.If anybody would like to write a guest post about anything related to the Miami real estate market, it can be featured on the website and act as a source of free advertising / name recognition for you, but more importantly to help fellow investors. 

Some factors to consider are that there will be some new condos which are in the planning stages to be built next to mine so I'm concerned there will be more competition, still it's California and I don't see this property going too far down in value because of that, but not surehere are the numbersmy rental-condo - one exactly like mine just sold for 269K currently receive $1200 mo. from renter but have HOA of 320 mo.this condo is paid offOrshould I stick it out and see if the value of the condo goes up in a few years and then sell?