The reason we do that is because people are on love with their spreadsheet, but need a reality check to see, feel and smell what a lower prices property looks like - in particular the condition. 

Has anyone had any success negotiating a lowered payoff for a medicare lien on a property headed for foreclosure auction? 

This would make it into two, two bedroom units with the intent of making them long term rentals.I'm guilty of having a lot of projects going at once so my focus right now is bringing the cottage to a point to refinance out of the private money and either make it our primary residence for a year for the financing perks or to go straight into a short term rental.With the four bedroom house I'm trying to decide if it's worth splitting into two units or if I should keep it a four bedroom rental.The cottage I'm also tempted to do mid term with to lower the turnover and maintenance but open to suggestions.The third property I'll probably just let the current renters pay the mortgage for the time being if I'm able to acquire it anytime soon.

I lowered the price of both even more and was able to find a tenant for one of them, will see what happens with the other!

The 1031 exchange would allow you to indefinitely defer all of the capital gains taxes and use it to purchase multiple newer properties with lower capital expenditures, in a better market. 

I’m selling both of my properties because I literally cannot handle the stress from how horrible KS Yoak is.

I think 5% is a pretty standard rate to estimate with, but beyond that you might be higher or lower depending on your approach to landlording. 

I would stick with individuals at those lower price points. 

IE if you are wanting to wholesale which I don;t reco today, its too hard, you want a list of high equity owners BUT BUT the value is in figuring out a source of stress, a reason why the owner is on the virge of wanting to sell. 

hence, your strategy is good for you but doesn't make sense in an economic stress test to a lender.