Just want to verify this info with you all local professional investors.In addition, are there any property tax discount programs created by the city or state available to incentivize investors to invest in philly, just curious to know as well.

I've read about an 8-11% discount from the listed price, as well as going as low as 15%, primarily on properties that are fresh on the market.

At the end, We rented it to the tenants we really liked with a discount. 

If negotiating the payoff, do you know what percent discount of the balance that I should be able to achieve?

I usually buy bulk searches at discount and use them as needed.  

(all of the above ignores closing and settlement costs for simplicity's sake)*Needless to say, these scenarios are very few and far between, because this seller can usually just sell their house for what it's worth, or at a discount, as a FSBO or with a Realtor, and be even better off.

For example, we will need 16 ceiling fans and I'm wondering if that quantity can be purchased at a discount, and if so, where?  

Discount it accordingly.

Jason you could have put it under contract with an option if he was willing to discount the property even a little and sold/assigned the option to an off-market buy and hold investor looking for a good deal.  

Buy at a discount aka below market and tax value.