Depends on how motivated they are. 

You can't control where you live if you're there for a W-2 and need the job, so you can't influence "how much you should pay" as much as you can influence your cash flow.Anywhere you live, if you can find a fixer-upper off market, the entire conversation changes.

I'm just getting going by forming my core four (as David Greene would say in his BRRRR book), so your project gives me the motivation to keep going. 

However, he is motivated to move sooner.

Fortunately, there’s year round activities to do up there, one of the reasons I like Big Bear so much.Finding a motivated seller off market, or a distressed property is how I would tackle it.Sharpen up those negotiating skills man!

@Jake MayI’m also looking to start my real estate investing journey and it sounds like we have the same motivations.

Motivated, hard working, and honest individual ready to get to work!

You need people who have the potential to be highly motivated to sell.

But a very motivated seller with a property that hasn't sold for 6 months might be extremely motivated and give you all of the above: low rate, flexible terms, and a steep discount.Always ask.  

How many brokerages did you meet with before making a decision, and what were the key determining factors that influenced your decision?