However, in Philadelphia you're going to find higher prices and much more competition (more people).

We have recently raised around one million dollars and are looking to buy more single family and multi-family properties but the market has gotten a lot more competitive.  

SW) is competitive, but I am patient and persistent.  

Competition - While we are seeing new apartment complexes being built, those tend to be high rental fees and does not compete with affordable single family rental.  

As for your mailers, I always recommend sending something different than your competition.  

Try to get a feel for local vacancies- in our area there aren't any nice units vacant for very long so I feel like it is a pretty strong market even with lots of competition.  

I started as a homebuyer in the competitive, expensive Bay Area market, then as an investor, then became an agent.

Things such as what the current competition is, how many sf the market can bear, how many sf you should build, what your rates should be, how fast your lease up should be, how much climate, non-climate, boat/Rv etc. also, be sure you you consider early on how to manage the property.

I think co-hosting can work but you have to be VERY selective at who you choose to work with and don't be afraid to charge 20%+ even if that is what your competition is charging. 

Hesitation will lose you a deal in a competitive market.