Find out what the seller's motivation is to sell. 

They may be aware of a motivated homeowner willing to sell their property and offer owner financing.

So yes you had people in a high degree of stress and did not want to move the kids or themselves and since we only contacted them about 5 to 7 days from the foreclosure sale they were highly motivated.

Prices (and correlating commissions) are high in my market, so saving money on my personal deals was my initial motivation.

On market properties are already motivated sellers and you have an advantage of a starting price to work from.

The sellers were motivated to sell and I was able to negotiate a price reduction.

The sellers were motivated to sell and I was able to negotiate a price reduction.

If you told him you have been playing pickup games for the past year and need help improving your jump shot, now he has evidence you're motivated and a specific goal he can quickly help you work towards.

Your best bet might be to go to local investor workshops and then find someone very successful where they might take the time to help you out IF they feel you are truly motivated to listen and take action with direction as given.At some point as people age they do want to pay it forward helping others but not those with low motivation or want the easy answers in life with massive results.  

I have the opportunity to buy from a motivated seller. 1 acre with four lots consisting of 3x POHs and 1x TOHs, plus a single detached garage that can be rented out as a mechanic shop.