Partially because most of the folks doing it are so inexperienced and solely money driven that they're not the best to do business with, and because they're basically buying people's houses for less than they could get putting them on the MLS.I've personally had 5-10 "wholesalers" reach out to me to learn my buy box.

If anyone has tips and tricks for finding private investors please share them with me. thanks! 

A helpful trick is to completely ignore the rents the buildng comes with and figure out the actual market rents you can get. 

I would start by reading JScott's Book on Estimating Rehab Costs to learn the basics. 

Are tenants over-riding them with zip ties or other tricks?

I am always happy to help offer some tips, tricks and fool proof steps to help build your REI portfolio.

Not the circumstance itself.So this ENTIRE industry is tricking you.

Any tips, tricks, or advice would be greatly appreciated!

One trick I use to keep tenants with rent increases is one I learned from politicians.

My dad was a builder, so I spent countless summers helping on job sites, swinging hammers, cleaning up, and learning the tricks of the trade.