How long -- Time on the market and price (reduction) are close cousins -Price softens as time moves on and motivation and reality is realizedEverything will sell at a price -The first thing I'd want to do is get the history of the property - how long on the market, why is it vacant - what's the reason for selling - is it listed - look at listingWhat is the mortgage balance - is it current or in the arrears - What other liens or obligations are on the propertyHow many owners - decision makersWhat is the commission - will agent splitAre they open to a reasonable and creative offersDo they want any profit or to just get it out of their nameCan down payment be paid over time -How much paper with they accept - delayed payments - principal mortgageWho is the decision makerHow fast do they want to settleEverything is negotiable - CONTROL IS KING - learn how to control real estate - it is a short cut to cash flow - it is the best way I know of assigning properties.Who controls real estate - An agent with a listing agreement (treat them well - they are in control for a period of time)An accepted option agreementA buyer with an accepted contract of sale with contingencies

If the agent calls me (they are usually slow to follow up) I will make a reasonable offer subject to inspection and a study period.Everything is negotiable - CONTROL IS KING - learn how to control real estate - it is a short cut to cash flow -  it is the best way I know of assigning properties.Who controls real estate - An agent with a listing agreement (treat them well - they are in control for a period of time)An accepted option agreementA buyer with an accepted contract of sale with contingencieshttp://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M...Charles

You can short-cut this a bit by looking at the hot markets.

HD has its own in-house brand (Allure).I'm never an advocate for taking shortcuts in rehab and find it frustrating when we acquire a property which has been treated in such a manner.  

A short cut of sorts, that EVERYONE can take advantage of.

There are no shortcuts.  

Have surged for a while, but I amTo the point of asking for a short cut now.

If it's the same contractor, and he used the existing lines without checking them, he's either a shortcut artist or an idiot.

@Kiran AlisamThere is no short cut to this.

It only gets dicey (and this can apply to Class A properties too) when you take shortcuts on checking credit, income or rental history.