A 50% discount from listing price could seem a little unrealistic..but I would not discourage any offer..As for expenses I would request copies of the sellers formal statements or records.

I even offered a discount for the first month rent, and I'm either getting flaky people or scams.

We are choosing new build because A) our family 4 has a certain size demand B)  the price-quality ratio doesn't seem to make sense when considering a preexisting home C) with interest rates being at near 8% with preexisting homes, builders are offering 5.99% interest rates and the exact home we are looking at is about $75K discounted because it's a spec home and the builder doesn't want to pay taxes on it.So, live in it for 5-6 years hopefully rent it out with a fully finished basement for potentially $4,200 in 5-6 years.

Just ask your broker for a discount.

However, I may still get to obtain a great property at a 30-40% discount. 

I tried to contact Edward- the sales guy listed on their website and he just told me because they gave me a discount, there is no credit for the the $149 fee that I paid to talk to a lawyer.

I believe they can even provide discounted legal advice.

"for $___/year, we provide "x" additional inspections")6) Liability policy that covers tenant intentional damage, criminal acts, and unpaid rent when skipped or evicted (through insurance provider that provides this kind of coverage)7) Financial reports per quarter (as whatever period makes sense to you) (this can allow you to advise the owner on the health of their portfolio)8) End-of-year review of the property to show conditions and suggested needed and preventative maintenance items 9) Preferred vendor discounts (requires a contract with a vendor to give better pricing)10) Eviction protection programs (this is usually done "in house" when you have sufficient number of units under your management to be able to offer this kind of program)11) Legal services (requires agreement with landlord attorney to provide those services at set fees)12) Professional photos option (for enhanced listing)13) Professional, licensed home inspection (this is more relevant for older homes to ensure safety and habitability are addressed) 14) HVAC filter replacement program (this can also be a program offered to tenants)15) Pet and ESA screening through pet screening vendor (helps to streamline and increase quality of screening)16) Client portal account for ease of communication, updates, reports, etc.

It's helped me tremendously... just the case studies you cover alone are helpful in the corporate work environment.

Also, they have access to a tremendous amount of information and connections to those trades that we all need more access to. you may also ask where are the regulations stated in writing, then you will have the ability to answer further question you may have regarding these matters