I was told I could call and get the Mortgage reduced.

It was almost as good as the beard competition I went to at a rock hall here a couple months ago.I can't decide if I'm hung over from the beer or the sugar.

Same day auctions drastically reduce the pool of potential buyers (your competition) because of all its stringent rules.Therefore that is where you could find your best deals.

When we establish minimum requirements for screening new tenants, it is to reduce the chance that a tenant will be a problem and to reduce the chance they will default in paying their rent.

I hear too many things about the benefits of reduced risk for the sponsor, without any regard to the responsibility that comes with that. 

I would see if the bank will allow that money to be placed in escrow, IE you are borrowing 200k for a house that costs 240 and putting 40k down, seller reduces price to 215 to allow for repairs, bank loans you the same 200k but puts 25k of that into escrow to pay for repairs, you show up at closing with your same 40k plus 175k from the bank = 215 new purchase price. 

Structural Engineer here... epoxy injection is a crack repair (patchwork) and sump pump will reduce the water table around the perimeter of the house.

Similar lease, with a couple risk-reducing provisions (requirement to commercially insure, etc).

I've been looking for my first deal on MLS and also found that purchase price has to be reduced to like 60% of asking price in order to get good cash flow. 

Paying all cash reduces your cash on cash return, but provides excellent cashflow and minimal risk of loss.