However, real estate investors – many of whom are paying all cash for entry-level properties – are making it hard for some first-time buyers and others to compete for those homes. Given the choice, it’s understandable that a seller would opt for a cash offer that’s likely to close quickly rather than take their chance that a buyer can secure mortgage financing. Unlike past investors, today’s new landlords are generally not expecting to quickly flip a home for a profit, according to the Chronicle story. Instead, they see are seeking reasonable returns by simply owning and managing a rental property.