A lot of homes on W Blue Ridge Dr before Franklin have already been renovated, so the competition over there is fierce.Feel free to come visit the area around the time that they hold the Upstate CREIA meeting.

Granted, most of the SD neighborhoods have much more competitive rental markets than anywhere else in the country, but I can't tell you how often I still hear complaints from other PMs and past/current land lords about not being able to generate interest.Appfolio posts it to over 100 different property listing sites, hitting all the big ones like those reached through postlets, craigslist, etc.  

Portland is a competitive rental market right now though.

I've found that there is much fierce competition for anything that even resembles a possible flip project!  

Calling those cards give you an indication as to how your competition operates.  

Personally, I try to be a little better than my competition without going overboard.

Next step is to check status and ownership of boarded up properties, look at comps and rental rates in the area, drive the area at night to see what kind of activity is going on and walk it during the day and strike up conversations with residents about the area.If one doesn't wish to run with the pack and fight the competition, there's much more to it than just running numbers and putting in offers.

Assuming the delta between you subject property and the competition is large enough, it might be worthwhile to make a run at it. 

Try DFCU - Dearborn Federal Credit Union They also give 1% cash back on your total mortgage amount and have very competitive rates

Jonathan,   Most time it is better to bring your own buy's agent unless it is competitive situation with multiples offers on the table where you have to beat other offers.