Luckily the checking account was fat at that moment and I scraped by.Thanks to BP now I figure all of these things when I acquire. 

Fat wallets and happy hunting.

I also study a lot, i read as much as I can in terms of finance and real estate books.

It's a big fat BS sandwich.The thing to do really, is to start speaking out and making a stink over such nonsense.

Is it worth it to just acquire the most affordable good deal I can in order to build that reputation, rather than try for something a little more expensive for more cash flow?

There is no way a person can take a quick birds-eye and figure it out like they can in the burbs.

A) It's not exactly what he said orB) It's BSThe big guys 25+ years are still all quite fat and happy with a ton of debt and units.I'm not doubting Dave at all, since about 80% of people mis-handle debt and a cash-only budget is what they need.However, if you understand the power of using OPM money (ie you borrow o$1 at x% and get a return on it >>x%) it is a major tool in growth.Now if you're 60 and unwinding, I understand. 

They will test as much as they can in the time frame and within the scope of what they can actually see (They can't rip down a wall to look at a foundation etc).

I simply sat down with myself, and I said "Self, what if you could figure out a Safe way to buy BEFORE the auction and beat all those fat cats to the punch?".

They definitely can in places like Ypsi, but that comes with trade offs obviously (less appreciation, less stability, etc).