Buy the book "how to win friends and influence people" https://www.amazon.com/How-Win...   

@Isoke CraigBeside purchase price, there are other factors that make for a strong offer: Type of financing - convention or cash are better for a seller than FHA and VAEarnest Money - consider higher than 1% of purchase priceOption fee- higher the better - more incentive for the seller if you back outShort option period - I win offers with 3-5 days to inspectPurchase the title policyThe list goes on. 

Just starting out. I am looking to have a fourplex built to reside in one and create cash flow from the other units. Furthermore I am looking to also Brrr the property in the future and continue investing and building...

They could probably win a judgement against you to collect delinquent rent or even sue for damages.

Think of it this way, if you charge either of these tenants and they protest enough to take it to court, what evidence do you have to win your case?

I'm in the mortgage business as a call-center loan officer, wanting to branch out, and from guys/girls that are growing and winning.

For example, if you ignore appreciation but find a 2% deal in a rural area, you will win that metric, but if the house costs $60k, then you are only generating $1200 gross revenue and after all expenses, the amount left over is not great, and your appreciation potential is next to nothing. 

Good luck winning anything at the official hearing.

Your best bet is to try areas outside of the 285 perimeter or go direct to seller.

I'd bet there is and therefore there is no 'housing shortage'.