I have found that the Restore - Habitat for Humanity stores are great when trying to save a buck.

@Matt Tobler In my experience explanations for an offer go a long way when you are dealing with real human beings as sellers - Owner occupants, mom and pop landlords, estate reps etc.

The human element is that you are providing a safe, clean affordable apartment for the ability to earn money. 

As for me,...I've  chosen steady, boring, cashflow and I chose Cleveland.

(I think I question my faith in the goodness of humanity once a week these days- but am making enough cash flow that it's worth it!) 

Step 1- Build rapport and just be a human being. 

As opposed to treating the tenant like a human being, with respect, and thus engendering a corresponding respect from the tenant, for you and for your property which makes life for everyone a lot better.

There have been occasions where we find that someone has chosen to be less than accurate with the numbers they've put in on the loan application because they didn't realize that we would be verifying not only the property values but the contractors bid as well.

Time is something actually created by the human race anyways.

There of course is the human resources side of it.