MOTHER OF GOD WHO ARE THESE HOUSE BANDITS?

^%$#@! $*&#@!
Late last night, we got a sad call from our hard working, semi-related realtor with some disturbing news. Friday, we submitted a good offer for a 1600 sq. ft. home that had alot of upgrades, a boat pad (for our invisible boat), a fenced backyard, a florida room, built in bookshelves, 2 car garage, large bedrooms, no flood zone issues, etc. etc etc. At this time, there were no offers standing. Monday, we were told there were 2 other offers, so we resubmitted an offer for full asking price plus some closing costs covered by ourselves...the best we can do considering the comps in the area, and the fact that the value of the neighborhood won't be rising for at least a few years.
Wouldn't you know it. last night our realtor called to tell us that another buyer had swooped in with a cash offer and, of course, was accepted. Who are these people with $150,000 plus cash just sitting around to buy houses within days? Are they following us around? Why has this happened twice? According to our realtor, it's because we are choosing the good ones, the ones who at one time were worth over $230K or so. We're not choosing "fixer-uppers".
Maybe it's time to look for the sweat equity projects that have the same square footage but need some TLC...that is what we got in Nashville and it didn't take long to make it perfect for what we wanted. but....it vexes me. Who is this masked house bandit? Why has looking for a house suddenly become a competitive game in this supposedly easy buying market??? I will prevail....today Nick and I have a new list of places to look at (we drive by first before bothering the realtor with walk- in appointments) and there just so happens to be a Chik-fil-A on the way to make me feel better. Have a good Friday kids!