I'm amazed at how much energy, time and money people spend trying to capitalize on a very very very small percentage of loans that got "Lost" thinking they are gonna get a free house.

Is there a certain percentage or rule of thumb on how much equity you should give them ?

Is there a way of tackling these to ensure that a good deal is agreed to.I have seen one not too far from my town on zillow - and I understand that its a negotiation with the bank and the seller, but how could one be creative about such deals:Is it something that one could consider a percentage offering of the requested price, minus the potential rehab work required.  

If there is some you saw please post here please in this forum.I started creating a Google Sheet that incorporates investment , expenses  vs credits and shows a percentage return o ROI .

As a contractor I would never work off a percentage of the house sale , too many variables .  

Once we both agree that I will be your contractor of choice for your project, I charge a percentage up front, i.e.- recent kitchen remodel for a GC I have a relationship with, total contract $4100, mobilization = $500, completion of rough work = $1200, completion of final work = $1200, completion of final inspection = $1200.

It is a great way to slowly build up a portfolio since you only need to put down a small percentage and you can get strong financing with 30 year amortization.

@Val BerechetAt its simplest, you either pay the capital gains tax as a percentage of sales (25%) or net profit (30 or 35% - check for the latest figures with your tax advisor.In most situations, the net profit route will be the most advantageous just based on those percentages.

Also if I understand the cash out refi, I am paying off the old mortgage and getting a new mortgage for a percentage of the new value, correct?

It's cool to tell people you "own 80 doors" when if fact you don't...you own a small percentage of 80 doors and the 95%'ers control you future.