Your chances of prevailing are slim.

Sure, in theroy we are always chasing down multiple deals at any one time, but I wanted to get your input on how you make that decision and what factors you consider when faced with a slim margin deal?

I have a positive cash flow on the current rental but the margin is slim.

The lower unit tenant simply ripped it off.And as far as the likelihood of both units being vacant at the same time is slim.

@Dev Horn Also worth the note that walmart operates on extreamly slim profit margins.

It is much more difficult to get a mortgage these days, so the chance of another crash is slim (in my opinion).Even with prices going crazy like they are, houses are still a lot cheaper than they were 10-15 years ago.

I work full time as a contractor but have been using every bit of free time I have digging into research from this website, as well as many others (including 123..Flip) to prepare myself to dive into the real estate investment arena.I recently purchased, renovated, and put my first home up for sale in Petworth, D.C. and, while my ROI potential is slim, I learned a ton from gutting the home and getting a feel for what I'm going to be dealing with in the area.I currently live downtown with my Uncle and, on top of pursuing several goals, am looking to find a good property within the city that I can fix up to live in/rent out the rest.My goals are:1.)

The odds of them accepting your first offer are slim and none, so you wouldn't be wasting peoples times by putting properties in contract without buying.

since they are on the MLS, doesn't the agent commission eat into the maybe slim profit already?  

Those margin are VERY slim.