He also normally gives a discounted commission price to the seller allowing for the possibility of bigger discount and a lower price to the buyer.  

Their is a HUGE opportunity to serve the 95% who are NOT going to sell their house at a 40% discount....Ultimately, you have to have integrity and feel good about what you are doing.  

A fresh coat of paint and new carpet isn't going to work unless you're willing to take a discount to ARV.As @Latonia Parks said, with the heavy military influence on the population, rentals do very well.I'd love to see what type of inventory you'll have to sell.  

I am an out of state investor, but originally from Pontiac, Michigan, and am interested in buying and holding deeply discounted homes in Pontiac, MI. 

Institutional buyers will take most any note, but they will discount it to match the risk level.

Maybe there is a management company that handles base housing (Pendleton uses a private company I believe) that can help and would possibly give you a discount and advice given your situation.  

Buy houses at a larger discount to accommodate using the higher priced GC on major rehabs. 

Where else can you buy real estate at a discount and literally come away with a 140k asset for 5k out of your pocket. 

Also, I feel buying in those types of areas is only worthwhile with properties that can be acquired at a deep discount with as little money as possible down to minimize risk.Good luck.

Possible discount on rent for one of the units?