And now they're receiving a deal at essentially retail and are told that it MIGHT be negotiable.

So, while I think your short term issue is how to get to this point, its essential you construct a set of projections for the rents and expenses for these properties one they're up and running, and validate its actually a profitable business.

Believe he was renting the place and I essentially sublet.

By raising your down payment you are essentially just buying your cashflow.Can't run the numbers for you right now as I'm on my iPhone and sitting In a dentist chair.

Essentially I was told I can only do an option contract, and it appears that will cost me a couple thousand.I also was told that they wouldn't give me the contracts until I brought them a deal.

Essentially, the negotiator might be taking on something that has no hope of closing.

Essentially letting outside factors determine my outcome.

You're going to have to clean the placeup before you can rent it (yes, I know you said L/O, but essentially the same thing.)

That varies from place to place, so I may well be totally wrong.Is the replacement essential?

A business plan has to account for all the potential fluctuations - i.e. lowest purchase cost the market will allow (REO's).Inherent to a plan must be the target date so a tie-in that will be essential, especially depending on increased difficulties obtaining credit, will be a target FICO score.