How does the negotiations go in buying real estate

[Burr Guy]

I am in an extremely tough market in California and the realtor that is sending me deals is a family friend who is hard to approach. I am analysing deals and none of them make sense. No cashflow. no discounts, but they might work if they lower their price.

The problem is my realtor and I need a new realtor and also need to find out, How is an offer submitted that is below the asking price? How do negotiations go? do I just call the realtor number on the listing? How low is too low to offer and when do I just say that is just too far off from where it would make sense.

Thanks