I see some builders having success mixing granite and laminate to reduce costs.

I want the seller reduce the price, but seller do not agree.

This can reduce your monthly cash flow if you don’t take this into account going into a project.

The bank files foreclosure and all these websites scrape up the info from public records, or if desperate, might buy a list directly from the bank. 

Liens against a property is public record.

Also, I found that prices can be reduced every 30 to 45 days.

Is there a way to offer the city a reduced payoff for them? 

One thing to consider, there is a high possibility switching to a 30 year mortgage will only reduce costs enough to avoid a negative cash flow.  

These the exact things I am looking for to help reduce my risk.

Even though the price may be below his ask point out that the the total value of the payments he will receive will be much higher then his ask priceNote:  If you do make an offer for owner financing make sure to include a right of first refusal on the note so that if he decides to sell the note at a discount you can buy back your own own at a reduced price.