I am not just talking about reading the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, but you should do that too.

Those sellers do not want to hear from another agent.The best leads you can generate are from your sphere of influence.

Start trying to network with some private money lenders and start chatting up your circle of influence if you're interested in finding a PML.

You find private lenders privately and from getting out and meeting likeminded people through your circle of influence.

What factors influence their decision to sway this in my favor?

Tax strategies can certainly boost returns, regardless of what real estate strategy you employ, but I think asking "do the higher short-term returns make up for the tax consequences" is somewhat backwards. 

I boosted my credit score by a 100 points in the last year by doing this. 

It can take two solid years of prospecting, marketing and hard work to get really established in residential real estate, unless you have a large sphere of influence ready, willing, and able to give you business and referrals.

The necessary steps are: 1. a definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment, 2. a definite plan, expressed in continuous action, 3. a mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends, and acquaintances, and 4. a friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose."

I know some will say it's not a big deal, but it's pretty clear to see how the plan influences the best use of impacted properties.