Conservative thinking or being negative about every real estate lead we worked was a positive thing for our family investing program - that and making low-ball offers (if they don't cry - the offer is too high) helped us maintain our current cash flow and avoid financial failure.In tough times - it is always wise to look at all those things that may go wrong with the deal - don't use conventional financing - always seller financing or option or Hybrid offers or long or extended closing time - called delayed settlement with a few contingencies.This is a great business if you understand and use as many creative formula as possible.If the deal is not good for me now - it won't get better in the future.Charles  

Make sure all your numbers are real not ball park.

Could you provide me a ball park of your current net income vs your goal? 

These are somewhat ball park, but I'm not normally way off.

I agree I would go for a low ball offer that will secure your investment while the lease is up. 

Sellers don't care what your reason for a low ball offer is....they've already discussed values with their agent.

@Christopher Hutchings congrats on getting the ball rolling.  

All good markets...but I feel I'm a little behind the ball on all of the listed cities above.

@Jonas Ball Any luck with this?

I made an offer 4 months ago on a commercial property that was not yet listed on the competitive market and didn't even get a counter.I will admit that I gave a low ball offer and the broker shot it down.