Mind you, this is property she already owns, and is living in.

I bet with the right motivation this would be a day project and you wouldn't have to worry about it anymore....

As long as the learner is wearing out the mentor, and asking good, concise questions, then probably the mentor doesn't mind adding value here and there.  

Their motivation will be to do the quickest and cheapest way possible to make the issue appear fixed adequately.

And it will give you some peace of mind having a more solid property. 

I am trying to keep in mind it is an older home, but I also do not know how much I should give or take for this older home.

I am trying to keep in mind it is an older home, but I also do not know how much I should give or take for this older home.

It would be great to pick it up at a discounted price.I was wondering if anyone has ever been in a situation like this, and either A) tried contacting the owner (company) direct to see if they are motivated to sell much cheaper or B) working through a realtor just make a much lower offer?

That's why the 1% Rule (or really the Monthly Rent / Property Purchase Price rule) comes to mind as a very convenient method to quickly compare multiple deals and decide which to pursue.

Also, visit your local REI groups and get on meetups.com to find like minded people and start networking.