I also sweetened the deal with $350 "cash for keys" if he was out in 30 days and left the place in good condition...or as good as it could be since it was already in shambles.He had a friend with him during our meeting because he was too upset to really even talk to me. 

Sweetens the deal but keeping emotions out of it.

Had this been 3 nice adults you trusted, an increase in rent, deposits or other fees might help sweeten the deal.I am personally insulted when someone thinks they can force me in a direction because of discrimination.

I dont know about you, but thats preety easy money. so why not gift or provide 1-2k to a client to sweeten their deal, Imean they did just line your pocket, and save you time. ;-)Anyway, this trategy is based on what works in my market. tweak it and make it work for yours.

Recognize that your first few deals may require you to sweeten the offering a little to attract the capital until you build your track record up at which time you can set the terms at market or better. 

You can put your sweat in to sweeten the pot.

You'll likely only have to pay one commission rather than two, which saves you a chunk of money and you can afford to discount the property a bit to sweeten the deal. 

If a non paying tenant is staying because they think they don’t have to pay back the missed rent and can’t be evicted, it will be hard to get them to leave without a sweetener.