It is a buyers market and whatever you say goes, wait till rates go back down you will see a lot more competition 

Additionally, study and learn as much as you can about everything related to construction/building and the ins and outs of RE....As a 16 yr old, you have the time and energy to get a lot of knowledge under your belt, which will be a huge advantage for you over your competition....

Real Estate Investing is a team sport, not a competition. 

SharonThe list is not for motivated sellers but for those with capital to invest, thus a way to find private investors.I just recently received an email blast for such a service (yet again) and one of my biggest concerns with it are the fact that this very same list is likely sold hundreds, if not thousands of times over again to others, thus creating quite the competition of direct marketing to the same people by a number of marketers for money.Secondly, without a prior relationship, you better be damn careful what you say in your letter to these people as to not violate SEC rules.

and b) what the other cash investor was offering aka how to have a truly competitive advantage...

@Ivan Casale it really comes down to your exit strategy: If you’re into creative financing then low to no equity list are the best, there’s very little competition from other wholesalers as most of them don’t know how to structure it.However If you’re trying to wholesale the deal on a traditional cash offer basis then you will have more chance to get a discount from a high equity seller, the fact that they got more equity means they have more room to negotiate.

DO research on them and then be prepared. also discuss some top books that would be impressive to him......RDPD, the Go Giver, how to win friends and influence people etc

Although not impossible, it is very difficult to find a steal through the multiple listing service or one of the online real estate sites because there is so much competition out there.

Then, you can contact 1-3 contractors for each specialty to get the most competitive bid.Hope that helps!

Competition for rentals is tough, but kudos on your purchase.