What are some strategies you are using to make competitive offers in the current market? 

He has no interest in sitting on market and wants to get out of the mortgage asap to free up the payment when he gets where he's going.I think the correct action is to offer and explain a quit claim deed, and ensure he fully understands that hes leaving a fair amount of money on the table. 

that depends on whether or not you can beat the return they are offering.

Recently had an offer accepted on a 3 unit in Jersey City, NJ.

Can I and do I also offer to buy her redemption rights?

You'll have to trust your gut in terms of whether or not a follow up with the deselected options is necessary after you've made a decision.Agents I've worked with in the past haven't asked me to sign an exclusive representation agreement until we get to the point of making the first offer.

It looks like the majority of people here have offered the opinion of “stay away from NOLA” so you should be asking what other areas are short term friendly to avoid this happening again.There ARE areas that embrace STRs.

I have about 50k worth of capital and the bank is offering a rate buy down from 4.5% to 3.875% for 3.25 points.

@Jeremy BenezraThe strategy offered by @Ashish Acharya only works if it has been less than 3 years since you moved out of it.

They're a little more expensive than a standard lock, but way cheaper and faster than a locksmith.Note that these are not electronic locks (although they do offer electronic versions).