Today I would see it was a minor problem, something that may help me negotiate down the price, and I would make an offer subject to inspection.

Then go thru second negotiation to get seller help towards repairs.I think one of the keys will be to be very transparent from the beginning that I'll be asking for seller help on repairs down the line.Has anybody else used this approach?

My think tank in smart living company name Forward Investments: is my internal group; no lets use you: Real Estate Investment office for example: accountant, bookkeeper, researcher, negotiator.

Earnest money is negotiable, or not, depending on who the seller is.  

HI @Earl LouisShort Sales are pre-foreclosure when you are negotiating with the bank on the borrowers behalf.REO's are post foreclosure after a property has gone to auction and no third party bid on it, so the bank takes ownership.Short sales are a hassle to do and usually are required by the lender to be listed.  

Thats how I would negotiate i. 

My idea here is to either negotiate a % of back end profit or settle on a set fee. 

Also the person handling the estate is dealing with her lawyer and I dont think her lawyer will advice her accept the contract that says "Assignable".So what I do I ask the buyers- rehabbers to come with me to the appointment and they do all the negotiations.

You still have to negotiate with the owner for a fair price.

VCs are negotiating hard for lower startup valuations in 2016, including down rounds (which kill employee morale and are founders' worst enemy).