You can't control where you live if you're there for a W-2 and need the job, so you can't influence "how much you should pay" as much as you can influence your cash flow.Anywhere you live, if you can find a fixer-upper off market, the entire conversation changes.

If so, what is the competitive gain in proximity to competitors?

I can confirm that even for my residential clients it is extremely competitive to make offers and many of the homes are being bid well over the asking price.

The Charlotte Metro is very competitive right now and the pricing for the properties does make it difficult to find an investment that cashflow's well right off the bat (they do have great returns and appreciation when you do find a deal).

With smaller units, there is plenty of inventory and competition, not only with similar properties, but with hotels.

Strong market, lots of competition, off-season drop off is serious. 

Existing home sales reached the highest level in 13 years.In 2021, so far, the housing market continues to be competitive for buyers resulting in higher home prices and quick-selling homes.

Low price point, high cash flow, little competition?

I’m hot markets like Columbus, it’s getting tough to even get 10% CoC in C class neighborhoods just because it’s becoming so hot and competitive.

NJ is very competitive now and those price points for rehab properties are all being sold to cash and the MLS versions will sell higher than asking so you would need to be looking around 200-215k.