Moreover I think this would be beneficial for new and small time investors facing increasing competition with Institutional investors buying in large numbers. 

I just finished up a flip in the City of Plymouth (also very competitive like Ann Arbor).

I thought that space would be a little less competitive, too big for mom and pop and too small for most syndicators but I was wrong. 

How can I find out how competitive the investing market is there if I am located out of state from where I am moving to? 

Houston is a tough market because it is competitive.

Does anyone have any other recommendations that provide competitive rates?

We’re looking for a duplex to HOUSE HACK as our first investment deal but after looking for a year and making 3 competitive offers in the last couple months we just haven’t been successful in scoring a property.

Condos get SUCH a bad rep on here which makes me really not want to go that route but the thing I do like is that it seems less competitive to get, and allows me to get a prime location for less money than a house.

This will remove any competition.  

I am looking for lenders offering competitive rate for residential loan, would you mind sharing Cindy's contact info?