If you have an inspection contingency that is still in effect then I would definitely negotiate.

If you do a lot of your own screening (free aside from time) then this can be effective, but you kiss a lot of frogs before you find that prince charming.

Paying off the loan "instantly" gives me a 24% CoCR for the next 6 years.It has no effect on my DTI since I apply for new loans personally and the student loan debt is in my wife's name.The price of real estate in my area is all over the place.

Here, there is a "default" lease under our Residential Tenancy Act that comes into effect once you accept payment for an accommodation - if you do not have a specific signed lease.

Consider the effects of foregoing your capital gains exclusion, if sell more than 3 years from now.

Many folks have a problem adjusting to effectively living on a 7.5% pay cut.

As such, it's possible I could come in $10k under budget, effectively making this deal 100% financed.

What effects do you think the bitter cold will have on an unoccupied house?

Fortunately, surgery was able to fix the problem but not all of the effects.

I think this is a very effective strategy if you can grab a property low enough.