Hi,I am negotiating with a bank (seller) the closing terms of an REO property.

Negotiations are nothing more than creating a win-win situation to create a desired outcome.

The ask price was $355K, I negotiated it to $302K.  

Ive already won the negotiation process when this happens.

You can either partner with someone else and split them up after closing, or you can just negotiate for the ones you're interested in.

I've already run comps so I know where I need to be and can negotiate from the number they start with.

They are motivated, asking $20K and willing to negotiate. 

Everything is negotiable in those stores.

In most cases, they just don't trust the investor.What are investors trying to accomplish with "buy like rent, lease option, option", In most cases it is to BUY TIME to find an assignee or to flip the property.Here are some ideas you may want to try on for size:Write a contract of sale (I use a skinny contract, one that anyone can read and understand in a few minutes) with a delayed settlement (for as long as you can negotiate), with right of possession or if occupied right of entry), and "subject to the existing mortgage"Skinny contract of sale with a Study Period, with right of possession or if occupied right of entry.Make full disclosures 1.

Why not get a contract with the owners of the strip center, build in your due diligence period and work in a contingency that you will only purchase if you are able to negotiate sale of the land with the present land owner... then pound the pavement and sit down with the owner of the land, see if you could strike a deal or an option to purchase at a set point from today - 10 years, or whatever time frame you build in.