I have a negotiator that wants me to handle something in Irvington that is just not in my area.  

We do all in-house negotiations, and our team has done 8 closings so far in 2016.  

You also are a Realtor, as a professional agent, you should know the market from your experience where you live.I think that you need some help in negotiating transactions.Understanding alternative creative financingGood deals are made by savvy, educated, aware and aggressive practitioners.

I have been interested in investing in real estate for a long time and have negotiated several deals for my relatives' homes, but have not yet done it for investment;  I want this to be the year I start.  

Never pay upfront and negotiate how they want paid.

We did get some comments regarding the price, and figure it was just people being cheap, trying to negotiate a deal.

SFH's in low income areas will not appraise well, no matter how nice they are, so you'll have trouble securing bank financing unless you negotiate hard with the seller to get the price down.

If you negotiate seller finance... then assign the terms (or similar) you can demand more with terms.

I've been strongly considering wholesaling it since I've negotiated a purchase price of nearly 40% of the ARV.  

You negotiate the terms and conditions of the purchase, pay for it, close, get your keys.