They are investors who focus on finding and securing properties at a discounted price, often distressed or undervalued properties.

That street is definitely in a transition phase and given the current market conditions in my opinion you would have to discount units in that building to a point where it wouldn't make sense as a STR.

I wish we had $100k discounts haha

But, also to avoid markups and assure payment for lien purposes.But, when a contractor gets discounts prepayment may not be avoided. 

Also,  you will save a lot of money on discounts on rehab materials, vendors, contractors, title company numbers, etc. from their "mastery member" discounts . 

Would you: A) Sell the lots now at a discount, take a loss but at least get some money back out to try and redeploy elsewhere. 

Keep in mind that about 40% of the population rents.I agree with you that buying a run-down property requires experience, the biggest concern is that you don't get enough discount for the condition.

That is a $40K discount or $40K cash back to you as an Academy investor on a brand new $400K home from one many national builders across multiple different markets.

Then if 50% of bookings actually use the "included add-on" with a standard $100 coupon, that's $2000 in services I have to fulfill (for now I'm assuming they all use the full $100 but I'd set it up where it's a discount code and I charge for any extra amount).

I've seen them from $3500 to $10,000, more than that if it's a retail roofer that isn't giving an investor discount