We appreciate your input on the Cleveland market & thank you for letting the OP know that nothing will add value to their properties and the only tactic is buying at a discount.

So, here are a few basic things about wholesaling that can help you stay focused and not overthink.Most people have it all backwards.This is how most people approach wholesaling:Find the properties.Find buyers for the properties.Profit.But this is how the most successful wholesalers do it:Find the buyers.Ask them what they want.Find what they want.Sell them what they want.If an investor says that they purchase 3/2s in 92122, find them 3/2s in 92122.One way to find more deals is by using different tactics than the competition.For example, everyone and their mother wants 3/2s with 1200 sqft.

You aren't always doing things as a negotiating tactic, you're doing it as risk mitigation.  

Bill Gulley by put pressure on them I am referring to tactics/strategies I may be able to employ that might make the 3rd lien holder uncomfortable or uneasy.

Hardball scare tactics.

My gut was ringing out, and I wasn't able to put my finger on it until that moment.An Agent who forces a Buyer to purchase, or uses pressure tactics to force entry into an agreement is not a good Agent.

Any help or tactics would be appreciated!

So maybe spend time learning all the tactics used so that way you can find yourself good deals you can structure creatively.

I have been working very hard at developing the “backside” of my business before going live; getting budgets and accounts in place, establishing my LLC, website registered, extensive buyer list, etc.One tactic that I have been introduced to has been working with local realtors to find deals before they reach the MLS.

If you are in favor of leveraging as a wealth-building tactic (I am) then you always want to put the minimal down on a property so you can use the rest of the money to buy more properties.