How much to offer in Cash for Keys in Bay Area?

[Ori Skloot]

Hi there,

I am looking at a property in Oakland.  Owner is interested in selling, but he has a relative living in the house who doesn't pay rent.  I want to approach the relative and offer cash for keys.  My question is how much to offer?  I've seen other posts that suggest 1/2 the deposit.   In this case there is no deposit but a deposit would probably be around $1750.   So offer $875?  I don't want to offer too much, but given the housing prices in Oakland that seems low to me.  Anyone else have experience with cash for keys in the Bay Area?  Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Lois S.]

If you didn't make a formal offer yet, include in your offer that the place is to be vacant at closing.