The paint got so bad that we just starting pealing it off in the inside of the tub just to discover that the porcelain underneath only had some chips that could've been filled in.

It's lead paint, it's definitely weathered but I wouldn't say chipping yet

It makes sellers desperate and I can use that as a bargaining chip to get a better price for the property. 

@Ryan Bolduc, I'll chip in my experience.

@Jamila ThompsonI think you can gain experience in multiple ways1) reading books2) browsing the forums3) Analyzing deals4) going to open houses5) going to networking eventsThere may be investors who are willing to teach for free but there are also investors who value time and want some trade off before they teach/mentor/train you.Obtaining a skill that an investor would find useful would be a good bargaining chip.

If I’m trying to make someone sell me their house instead of putting it on the market, what are my bargaining chips if not all cash?

But in the mean time save your money until you have a small pile of chips to deal with. 

I'd be willing to chip in half unless I got help?

Your why will keep you on task even when the chips are down.Now if you can answer 3 questions.

FHA might be a little tricky with this one.. no heat source in the bottom unit, chipped paint on the siding, and deck needs some work.