If the landlord isn't offering any commissions, then the tenant has to pay you and you negotiate that fee directly with them and it can be a flat-rate, a percentage of the lease amount, etc. 

Really reassuring hearing about how you got started this way and have seen success with it.

They don't know how to hustle or differentiate themselves from the competition.It's like any entrepreneurial endeavor: it takes time and discipline to find success.

Thank you.Hey Celestin, I moved to Columbus a few years ago (from Portland, Oregon which was super expensive) to become a full time real estate investor, and ever since, I've completed quite a lot of BRRRRs, flips, and own a successful rental portfolio here in Columbus Ohio.

Of course, Down payment assistance is available and the you can negotiate closing costs in certain circumstances but your chances of doing both are only reasonable if the property/seller are in a tough spot and the property isn't popular on the market.  

Do you know of anyone who has done this successfully?

My partner tried to negotiate with the broker for a rate of 4% for year 1-5 and 2.5% for year 6-10.

We’ve automated the process and eliminated the back and forth negotiation by sending a simple renewal letter 60-90 days before the renewal term.

I was thinking to get the price locked down through appraisal and negotiation, then we will pay the equity in cash to the seller and assume their mortgage.

My point is; when in your position, if you want to be successful and have the 'want' then you need to put in the hard work to achieve what you want.