This leads to frequent move-outs and escalating costs of ownership.  5% for maintenance and 5% for vacancy do not even come close to covering these costs.When companies are competing to see who can race to the bottom first (lowering prices and selling property cheaper and cheaper) they have to cut somewhere in order to make a profit.  

Built in aggressive escalators for the end strike price but never missed one. 

It helps tremendously to think about both sides of the relationship.

Any experience with this or my current market is welcome and would help tremendously!!

Most property management companies have a tremendous feel for where the highest rents are and which areas are growing the most. 

Firstly, you cash on cash return will be tremendously lower.

Have you cosidered using an escalation clause...offering $5,000 higher than the 2nd best offer?

This is a double-edged sword; there is tremendous growth taking place in Lubbock, but that growth is what is occupying the time of so many good subs in the area.

The lakefront is a tremendous resource and Milwaukee needs to continue to bring back its downtown, then the surrounding neighborhoods will follow suit.

If you had an established and trusted team of contractors, I would say that there is a tremendous opportunity for value-add opportunities throughout SA.