I invite you to communicate by demonstrating how your goals are aligned.

Their interests and yours are aligned when they are paid a percentage of gross rents and not when they are paid when a unit is empty.

Align your front with the fronts of all othervehicles.

Quick Update:Property manager said they DO have a $500 security deposit for the tenant in escrow (which aligns with the monthly PM statement that says $500 deposit) and are not sure why the lease states otherwise.The bigger issue that was recently brought to my attention is that the tenant was $32 short on her rent for July.

We also offer "no-leasing-fee" management agreements in an effort to better align our incentives with that of the owners.

I will be aligning with Tom Ziebro this week and joining the M1 group.  

Austin is a tech hub, liberal w/this backdrop, culturally more aligned w/Amazon than one would think about TX in general (they don't say keep Austin weird for nothing) and yes, Whole Foods their big acquisition is HQd here.  

I had the same questions being a beginner to and trying to align the steps and you made me think with these questions to ask myself.

I also believe that deals only really work when everyone's interests are aligned (which is why I'd never buy a flip, or flip myself).I will be going to the SF Real Estate Meetup that J Martin organizes tomorrow, if anyone else will be attending.I very much enjoy learning and am always happy to share my process and lessons I've learned with the community.David

I'd try structure something that was a win-win for both of your (ie where both your interests are aligned)In a traditional buyer/seller relationship, every $100 reduction in price you negotiate is $100 less in her pocket - not a good way to maintain a friendship.I like Luke's idea.