Conservative thinking or being negative about every real estate lead we worked was a positive thing for our family investing program - that and making low-ball offers (if they don't cry - the offer is too high) helped us maintain our current cash flow and avoid financial failure.In tough times - it is always wise to look at all those things that may go wrong with the deal - don't use conventional financing - always seller financing or option or Hybrid offers or long or extended closing time - called delayed settlement with a few contingencies.This is a great business if you understand and use as many creative formula as possible.If the deal is not good for me now - it won't get better in the future.Charles  

I live in CA and taxes are ridiculous, so I'm not sure what's the golden number here in this area.  

Make sure all your numbers are real not ball park.

Could you provide me a ball park of your current net income vs your goal? 

These are somewhat ball park, but I'm not normally way off.

I agree I would go for a low ball offer that will secure your investment while the lease is up. 

Sellers don't care what your reason for a low ball offer is....they've already discussed values with their agent.

@Christopher Hutchings congrats on getting the ball rolling.  

All good markets...but I feel I'm a little behind the ball on all of the listed cities above.

@Jonas Ball Any luck with this?