If we were in the early stage I would see having to play for a final number.

If there is an offer and acceptance together with valuable consideration, an interest may be established, IMO.The best we can do is to make and enter into equitable arrangements, in good faith and really, hope for the best as we do all we can to facilitate the intended outcome, a purcahse.

Taken from his website. http://www.123flip.com/house-1-staging-pictures/

If they keep it in house they might be more open to these arrangements.

Where your war chest is modest, you might also investigate the feasibility of a lease to own / lease option arrangement.

I've looked at a couple of houses here where the crawlspace was fairly large and had shelves arranged for storage.

At this stage in my life I am trying to do everything I can to make the best life possible for my family.  

I am in the planning stage of starting my real estate investing career. 

Im in the same boat and here is what I am doingSo after a year fix it up, stage it and sell to retail buyer, try again.

This arrangement gave him and his crew incentive to slow-screw me, whether they consciously chose to do so or not.