I'm not sure about your local Coldwell Banker in MN but ours here has a part-time agent program with discounted desk fees and training geared toward part-timers. 

At least this way Mr A gets some money back and I get a home on a discount because I would only be paying 1 years worth of a land contract @ $400/month + $1600 of back payments and 2K to Mr A.Mr A is going to provide me with a copy of the land contract on Monday.

If there is strong interest or multiple offers, you will need to make a cash deal and go above the asking price to have any chance as the asking price on a short sale is normally discounted.

Are you finding discounts with few repairs needed, or are the only opportunities those with significant rehabs needed?

It can't hurt buy I'm guessing you are going to have to offer the property at a discount in order to get a rent to own tenant vs just selling the property.

It probably says something if you can't find a used copy for a discount.  

You need to purchase this property at a large discount to make this work man.

You don't want to lose money even if bad things happen like vacancies, evictions, leaky roof, etc.I'm assuming you know the area...is the $65k a discount to comparable properties nearby that have sold in the last year?

Two is that this will allow you to grow quicker. by this i mean that instead of spending the extra cash you will have to buy shiny objects, pay yourself the rent (as you would to anyone else (No discounts!))

They won't pay any sort of premium for amenities above the standard of the neighborhood, but absolutely expect and demand a discount for anything below the standard of the neighborhood.