It's going to be tough because he seems to be a pretty cheap guy.

Before we started in CdA  we researched Boise as well and decided on Coeur d'Alene.Prices compared to California are very cheap usually about 40% for equal quality homes.  

Would it make sense to give the house a cheap renovation to get more money from them.

How do you find houses that cheap?

He buys them super cheap (3k-5k) puts a little work in them...rents them to section 8 tenant for $650 and up...However these type of investors are built different, they are usually hometown guys who have a high amount of respect in the city.

I would run away from this deal unless you can get it dirt cheap.

@Joel Petersen  I agree with @Bob Estler just find a cheap broker to hang your license with and make sure that you are being ethical about your deal, but I wouldn't necessarily try to find a mentor within that brokerage.  

Howdy, I am brand new to real estate and have no experience yet. I'm looking at a bank-owned foreclosed house in Katy, TX. Cash purchase only - financing not available. The property is to be auctioned in a week or so ...

They are super cheap (20 bucks) topic-specific and put on by locals who you can connect with....I am attracted to the more grass roots, DIY kind of ethic. 

Oliver - obviously, you are not getting responses related to your original post inquiring about which circulars to advertise in order to attract sellers (presumably, owners who wish to sell or perhaps had not considered selling until reading your ad).I don't know the Portland, OR area that well (however I do know where to stay and where to eat) however the quick and cheap way to find free circulars is to visit supermarkets and convenience stores to locate the giveaway pubs offered.