When buying a property using seller finance, would it make sense to lowball so I can refi out after repairs are done or would you recommend buying at a retail value where the seller is comfortable at and play the waiting game to refi as the property appreciates.

Because of that past behavior, they know how to play the game better now. 

I am speaking from personal experience of myself and teaching others and learning how to play the game.

I live in Mountain View, CA.For fun I'm learning to play the sampona. 

You rehab a lot less and play the long game.

After spending the first year to year and a half trying to play the "part time agent" game in the San Diego area, I made the choice to move back to Palm Springs to play in a more familiar sandbox.

Must be scare tactics in play...?The

Agreed. it does depend on the area and you have to play the hand dealt.

For a buy and hold strategy, you're offer will be based on what you can rent a house for (unless you want to play the appreciation game) Homeowners debt, the value of the house, and how much you can buy the house for are three separate figures, obviously the amount you offer them is contingent on what you think you can sell it for; and what they will accept as an offer is contingent on what they owe on the house.In some states when a lender forecloses, and there is a surplus after selling the house, the former owner can apply for these overages, never been there, don't know he process.I'm not even sure if I answered what you were asking, your post was a little confusing.AndrewEdit: Trying to clarify my thoughts, still confused rereading OP

I play the land game and have wholesale properties right in the path of growth,maybe we can work together.