I agree that the market is very competitive in California - especially if you are searching via the MLS or making offers to distressed or vacant property homeowners. 

You also have to make sure what you are offering is able to close and in a timely manner.  

This would be a joint venture with me offering to just provide a percentage of profits and equity in the property in return.  

Spring may be better but I was unable to sell a cheap house in October for 5% off of “market value” and only sold a $600k home in January by listing it for $580k and I still only got one offer. ($150k down, 5 year seller financing.) my point being you may get $20-$40k more in a year if you don’t need to sell. 

If your cleaner doesn't offer this service, find one who does.

I'm looking forward to the event and the valuable insights it will offer.

So I made them an offer.

The deal attracted multiple offers, and we initially got outbid.

You’re probably thinking you have to offer asking price – not true!

If they are offering seller financing, it'll often be in the listing.