Rented the home for over 4 years easily.

It's extremely common for buyers in the Austin market to waive the appraisal contingency to win in multiple offers, which means they are removing their right to terminate or negotiate if the appraisal doesn't meet value. 

Whatever you want but make sure to celebrate the wins along the way or you will burn yourself out.

These properties would produce good value if purchased and flipped and I was wondering if anyone has had any similar experiences purchasing such properties when you can’t easily contact the current landlord?

Also when buying you don't pay the agents commission but the seller does, so its a win win for you and your agent.

I have seen several posts this week in this style and it could easily confuse new investors and misrepresent LP and GP syndications as an easier or a quicker path to wealth.

And, I can tell you why very easily - both cause me to want to be the best version of myself that I can be, even if it means swallowing my out-of-control ego and changing certain things about myself.

Because we bought the house as a duplex the value came in very low, somewhere around $70/sqft (because there is no multifamily within 10-15 miles of here) when houses all around us are easily going $150/ sqft.

For example with an investment based Realtor, property manager, and contractor you should be able to seamlessly invest in property, and you get the added value of making sure that your product is still holding to a quality standard along with being able to see your property and replace team members more easily as well if need be.  

If you are constantly getting the 2-4 place in your bid, then it's just a numbers game aka getting more offers out there and being competitive.If you are not even close to winning the bid, then it's time to either up price or terms, or both.