1. You will likely have to overbid to be in the running
2. Rents are super high everywhere
3. Cash buyers are lowballing and Sellers are taking the bait (but then Sellers do a multiple counter back and drive the price right back up)
4. Unless your budget is about 1Mil (Eastside) and 2Mil (Westside), you will likely be getting a less than perfect looking house
5. Prepare to downsize from what you originally wanted
6. Prepare to expand your search into areas you never thought you'd venture into
7. Prepare to submit noncontingent offers
8. Expect to forego any requests for repairs--Sellers are basically not wanting to deal with buyers who pick apart the property
9. Prepare yourself for a possible rejection or what seems to be an unreasonabl counteroffer to your offer
