To prepare, focus on saving for a strong down payment and maintaining a solid credit profile, as both are critical for competitive financing.If possible, look into FHA or conventional loan options for owner-occupied properties, which may offer favorable terms, especially for first-time buyers.

No buyer would consider it.

If that is the case, to understand this you have to look at the previous year's taxes for valuation - especially what the taxable value was for the prior owner.I suspect this is very much a first time buyer's issue - where you weren't expecting the increase, but typically there is an increase to market value.  

On top of managing 65+ units I also rep buyers in and around Tampa, FL. 

Would a 2% commission be a disincentive for buyer's agent? 

For example, if the seller feels they can get another buyer for the same price whenever the house is finally vacant.

So, a seller will sell to a cash buyer instead of you even if the cash buyer's price is a little lower. 

We got the price to a much more reasonable amount, allowing the seller to finally sell it, and passing on a good deal to the end buyer What was the outcome?

Likely, a slightly larger buyer pool.Cons:Less revenue each month.  

If you aren't a cash buyer, you don't want to lead with fake cash like a lot of buyers do.