I would love hearing your thoughts and experiences in how to negotiate and what are the best options to sweeten the pot in a SF deal.  

You may have to sweeten the deal more than originally anticipated, especially for a comparatively low rent (in my area, 1000 a month is a steal).

To sweeten the deal, add non-monetary incentives like free carpet cleaning, a waived pet deposit for an extra pet (if comfortable), or a dedicated parking space.

I'd dial down that interest a tad – maybe around 5-7% to sweeten the deal.

   #9  SWEETEN the POT:    Do not think that paying extra rent is going to entice owners to rent to you. 

He doesn't want to move to temp housing, get storage, etc.Offers:Cash as-is: my max allowable offer is $242,700; with this, I'm thinking I can let them rent for 3 months for free to sweeten the deal.

This property will cash flow great for me regardless of if I add the additional units but it would definitely sweeten the deal. 

Nothing is “automatic” regarding the transfer of title back to the financer.So if your financer is nervous, then as others have said, sweeten your terms.

I was hoping this would sweeten the deal for him since he could then take double commission by representing me and the seller in the transaction.

To sweeten the deal, I'm considering offering the buyer not only clear title to each property, but also the LLC itself, if they want it.