If it is smaller family-owned business, see if it makes sense to offer a Defined Benefit Plan.

Follow and analyze their offerings for a year and then assess whether to move forward. 

Also, he offered to seller finance the deal for me.

Note I am not usually making these offers.  

Offer the showing agent anywhere from $100-200 to hold it open for you.

Detroit offers strong cash flow, appreciation potential, and affordability, especially if you’re interested in long-term holds.That said, where to invest ultimately comes down to your goals, experience, and where you are on your journey to financial freedom.

When funding is plentiful and flips are rare, the competition will be heavy and experienced flippers with teams will take smaller returns just to keep their guys working, which means inexperienced 1-man crews will be shut out of the market.

We are in Lake Balboa in the City of LA.I'm considering giving my landlord an offer to buy before we move.

Of course, they should be willing to still submit your offer!

I'd thought about offering 145k and allowing my agent to take a 3% comission ($4,200), use the $800 on any inspection/closing costs, and the seller walks away with 140k.