What would you suggest for converting a hesitant lead with an obvious need and desire to get rid of the property in as-is condition.

Not desirable, but if it's really bad sometimes that's easier.

A colleague and I were just having a conversation the other day about desire for multi families. 

San Diego historically has had a great ROI for buy and hold investors so I think it has been an easy market. clearly I think San Diego is a good to great RE market but I suggest you look up San Diego RE appreciation for any duration you desire and calculate the return assuming 25% down.  

What would be an acceptable or desired financial perfornce, costs versus income?

"-Source BP blog 28 Mar 2015, Brandon Turner.The legal aspect of things aside, in the end you signed a contract stating you will buy a home, when in reality you have no desire to actually follow through and purchase it.

I am a 22 year old aspiring real estate investor who has a strong desire and passion in real estate.

This helps me gauge which units are desirable and priced attractively.

I guess it must mean something else because if the comps are $130-150k, it seems like the owner should still be able to get more than $35k by selling it on the open market, even if the interior is in less than desirable condition.  

Two local vendors below also might be able to get you square away inexpensively but I haven't used them so they are for you to research. call them up and ask for quotes on your desired appliances type and size and colors for scratch and dent.