I'm a newbie and was wondering if someone might be so kind as to allow me to observe their negotiation process with a motivated seller (I realize this is sensitive) and also glean some insight into your formula for how you came up with the offer.

Mark : thanks for the insightful observations about About Rochester.

Like most of the other Austinites on BP posting introductions, I'm mostly looking outside of the Austin area (San Antonio, Kyle, RR, Killeen, etc) for my first rental property because of the crazy high housing prices in this city.Since I'm a computer geek and can't distinguish myself by bringing a wealth of REI know-how to the table, I leave you with a few fun observations from the last 24 hours:1.

Is my observation right ?

It sounded like he said it was the observable common characteristic of neighborhoods in Sacramento that retained their value well during the last crash. 

Your not in the path of the transaction, you are merely an observer, or facilitator.  

Some observations for someone who has always had to pay cash.The need to service debt affects the way you run your business.

I plan on using this as an opportunity to observe how a potential property management company handles maintenance requests/work because I see an opportunity to replicate this model.

here is how i would approach it1. if you havent been to a tax sale, go to one and just observe.2. have a budget in mind and dont spend a dollar over that budget, 3. must have cash...but dont carry cash, carry cashiers checks funds are due same day as tax sale. 4. do your research on said property, who owns?

These are just observations I've made.