Unfortunately, many investors are skeptical about Baltimore City right now but it just means less competition for me ;-) I actually closed on this deal because seller would not allow me to wholesale it.

(Some states you have to pay back tax after the sale & some state, You want to pay the subsequent years tax; so you get the maximum interest.)I have attend bidding in 5 counties in GA, only successful in 2. crazy competition now, Stick to your maximum allowable bid for each property, DO NOT try to work the numbers to WIN the bid.

It is a pain but at the same time it is a barrier to entry meaning less people have access to that list and in turn less competition.

Some areas are depressed because businesses pulled out due to competition and/or political inadequacies.

and you're right, seems to be limited competition, but also/possibly limited buyers/end users. i'm taking an educated guess that deals in my area may qualify for the buy-and-hold scenario.

Have you sized up your competition?

Prices as they are, high and likely getting higher, interest rates likely to tick up some, supply tight as ever, heavy competition on the good stuff, can someone lend some advice for how to find a property?

You can offer lower rental prices to be competitive, and won't have as much competition, and still make about the same income.

Or does no competition mean that the chances are greater of some bookings.

I think this may depend on your market, and if the competition also has electric heat or not.