I believe if there is multiple offers, then there is no deal.
I just enumulated all houses that I have purchased including both of my investment properties and primary residences. Amazingly, I found I have never competed with anybody. Unbelieveable that I have done that without intention. I either was the first one knows the house and secured it before everything, or dealed with Sell By Owner, or bank approved short sales that previous buyer left and I took it over.
I think I need to keep that tradition. :)
Gu-shi