I don't like when clients are unrealistic and make low-ball offers unless I truly think they can get it for the "low-ball" price.

Unless you will be one of the client's top client, much of what you said is unrealistic. 

or is that unrealistic?

However, the problem is that their $500k estimate might not have been unrealistic.

I'm sure I missed something or provided unrealistic estimates.

I noticed that most Auction.com listings have a starting bid that is less than what is owed.Is this just a sales tactic, or in a single-bidder scenario (unrealistic) would the property actually be let go for such a low price?

Youd probably have to put an unrealistic option down.

In general, the ones to avoid are the ones that: Don't allow financing or a finance contingency (it can be a good indication they are selling above market value) Don't allow for your own independent property inspection Are not realistic with their pro forma's (i.e. they don't include vacancy or maintenance projections or use unrealistically low vacancy factors) Require you to pay for any renovation upfront Sell only in cheap. low end neighborhoods Don't accurately represent the neighborhood/property classification Don't have consistent rehab standards for all properties Don't provide a scope of work for the property Can't provide references of repeat investors Require you to close before a tenant is in place

I don’t think those numbers are too unrealistic (maybe I’m wrong) but a great cabin in the smokies can easily do 80k plus-  I’m just not sure if prices and interest rates are too inflated to currently hit that target given my budget. 1.

Look, short-short version is your expectations are COMPLETELY unrealistic, out of touch with market realities.