I even offered to buy the study materials and give him a $1,000 bonus once it's done.

The bonus is that the laminate will not hide pet sins at move-out like the carpets will.

To me, the property has to be attractive even with management expenses accounted for, then if we self manage, it's more of a bonus that we use to speed things along.Personally, I'd pass unless I could get the seller to accept 100 or maybe 105 at the outside.Best of luck.

The house is 2 bedrooms + a bonus room (no closet in the 3rd room -- I'm thinking seriously of hiring a contractor to build in a closet but haven't decided yet; I don't think it would cost much but could help me get a higher price and the time to recoup the investment would hopefully be a year or less).

Thank goodness it is not one of those courses that cost $997 with fast action bonuses of $10356.17, fr.e.e 1 hour strategy session (worth $500) and 2 f.r.e.e ticket to 3-day boot camp!!!

I bounce around various banks that give sign-up bonuses.

@Neil Schlimgen I can answer this question will very precise information.With a "conforming, conventional" loan (loans governed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) they will require you to have 2 years of commission and bonus to use that income. 

I'll occasionally send her a little "bonus" out of the blue and of course a holiday bonus/gift. 

So make friends.Offer to give the seller a pay-off bonus if you sell the property before the mortgage is due - offer a 10% bonus.Make the seller your partner (known as an Hybrid offer) offer to clean up the building - he gives you the deed and you split the profit in the future.Ask the seller to refinance - you take over the mortgage (subject to)  - he gets the cash and you get the building for nothing down.Offer to give him something he wants - a car - a truck - a plan ticket - those items are easy to financing - seller gets a truck and you get the house and the payments on the truck.Offer seller additional collateral - another house you have, or your mothers house - offer a co-signer.Appeal to the seller - I am new help me - I have good credit - I am trying to get started ---- I have a cosigner. 

The cash flow is an added bonus, and helps to perpetuate the cycle of accumulating properties.In my area, one can get $200-300/mo + cash flow (after the above mentioned expenses), but you will be in less desirable parts of town and have higher tenant turnover, evictions, and outstanding debt.