Many of them are offering bargain price properties, but don’t consider things like cashflow, tenant availability and service people to manage the property, which means, despite the low price tag, the property isn't a great investment.

Base your number in between the average high and average low number

They are trying to keep West and South Torrance low density.

If you buy them low and do a quick flip and make you some money is ideal. 

An appraiser is obviously going to inspect the house and our concern is that we then would not be able to finance as a duplex, not to mention the added property taxes.Listening to Brandon Turner's The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No and Low Money Down, we thought maybe this property would be a perfect candidate for seller financing?

He also said that previous fee reduction offer was rejected.What would you recommend in terms of approaching an offer that is beneficial to all three parties?

I want to take advantage of the owner-occupent low down payment and option to do a live-in flip which requires me to live there for two years.

Cut expenses down as low as possible and start building up some financial wherewithal.

Reading about Section 8 seems to be headaches but I believe since the property value is usually low it may be easy to acquire and start with.I look forward to networking, partnering, or forming think tanks with everybody.

If you want super low maintenance I personally feel newer is often safer... or be prepared to do some work!