As a casual observer, I am just not seeing a potential total tax reduction significant enough to justify all the effort.

If you show that your only motive is tax evasion or tax reduction, then the IRS can recharaterize the transaction to how they deem it should be.

See what price reductions they have already done... it may be time for another one...

You have to watch like a hawk for new listings and price reductions, and get your offer in with the price is right.

With two wars going on, very little products to sell to the world and no signs of real long term reduction in consumption of import - we are doomed.

By forming relationships with these brokers and agents, I (and you) can often get deals before they become available, get deals through first, and often get the best deals.I still advocate that REO buyers should go direct to the list brokers/agents and offer the ability for the brokerage to get both sides of the commission (with two different agents representing each side).If you do choose to have a buyer's agent write offers for you on REO deals, you may be much better off going after 90+ day DOM's, 1st day price reductions, and pendings that go back to active (cancelled escrows).

The $130/mo maintenance reduction would save you 1.5 of it (so 9%) leaving you with a 41% rule for the first 10 years.

Were these homesteaded properties(homestead is a tax reduction for owner occupied homes in FL)?

3) If the junior lien holder has to be satisfied could I work a reduction or possibly transfer the lien to their condo?

A hold harmless letter MAY protect you, but the hold harmless might need to state additional "consideration," such as a statement that the price of the rental has been reduced based on X defects and/or that tenant may use said reduction to pay for necessary repairs to the property as his or her sole cost and only through a licensed professional.