Lots of good folks out there earning peanuts on their savings.If I can get a seller carry at 6% on another little house to accept a $5k discount for an early pay-off (essentially bringing the return up to 8%), I will satisfy that one as well when my other place sells and potentially leverage it.  

Also, Check out used Books / CD's /DVD's on Ebay & Thrift Books- My Favorites for discounted materials. 

Market down turns should not effect me as much since I Buy at a decent discount below the Market Value.  

The contractor is in too deep and I don't think they will accept a 70% discount on this property even though it has not sold in over two years, which I thought they would possibly consider.  

This is why some advocate a rent discount (carrot) for early or on time payment, while still employing late fees (stick) for untimely payment.

Can you offer a steep discount if they pay by the first?  

Sometimes these shows are getting heavily discounted materials and labor because companies or contractors want exposure from the show.

Or suck it up and get Posted Mortgage Rate Ripped Off by the Banks.Rip Off number two is the Discount Mortgage Rate Scam run by the banks and sanctioned by the Government.

The B should at least appreciate more so you should at least get a discount for that (assuming you are buying the C).  

@Cody Barrett, another possibility for this is if the shingles are not all from the same "batch" some roofing companies and suppliers will offer a discount if they have small amounts of shingles left form different batches, it is technically the same color but when they are made at different times sometimes the color could be slightly different.