I'm interested in meeting others in the area and I'm particularly interested in increasing my deal flow (hola wholesalers).

I know it's near the lake which makes the house more attractive and the ARV will be higher but my assumption was she was the owner of just the house and not the land? 

I think there are some attractive opportunities in your area; there is hard money available, but since I'm looking for buy and hold properties, I think this option (1 year loan term) it way too risky for me.

Prices have been increasing consistently in (or around) the double digits year over year, which should tell you something about demand.

Hence potential pool of tenants might increase causing more demand for rental property and hence rents would increase correct?

Some of his requests include asking to spray his exterior wood pile for spiders, replace a dryer knob, replace working doorbell, and increase flow of refrigerator water line.

I always rent a little below market, attract a crowd, but I didn't realize rents dropped due to the recession, so I was asking a little too much for the market. 

You can do this 3 ways - decrease spending, increase income, or both.  4) Set goals and stick to them.

Some investors have money and are looking to make strategic purchases, knowing values and rents will increase over time. 

My cashflow will have increased though by maybe $4 - $5k/mth and would have to wait a few months before I have another 20k saved up for another down payment.