I'm having trouble gauging how motivated the seller is, and I'm not sure what circumstances they are in.

@Glenn EnglishYou are far from a newbie get rid of that mindset... you have experience, a license... yes you have plenty more to learn but have some confidence in the knowledge you have thus.As for the kids... don't use them as an excuse for your time but as MOTIVATION - what is better than leaving a legacy for them? 

Your RE motivation slump may be a blessing in disguise.Best wishes on your growing family!

If you and the seller don't agree that the price has to be lowered to match the actual value, simply walk away and the next potential buyer will ask for the same concessions.Once the owner knows, they are are not allowed to dishonestly sell the property without first disclosing the issues.At this moment, the owner is "stuck" with the property, not you, so he's more motivated to fix it up than you.Go get 'em!

The seller is motivated and wants to get out quickly, so I ended up switching to commercial financing to keep everything moving forward.Everything is fine with my financing now, but the appraiser is still charging me $225 for the research and trip they took to the property.

Through these events we have learned that the Real Estate Investing industry is a team oriented business comprised of highly motivated entrepreneurs.

I typically have used direct mail to find motivated sellers.

Man, this community is really helping motivate me.

All the Rich Dad books (but they are full of motivation and mindset, but don't have any actual substance), I read and listened to many podcasts, while driving for my regular job, or while working on my "side gig" where I cut, split, and delivered firewood after work hours.

Most folks feel comfortable with a hold of a year but there could always be circumstances where more or less would be prudent.A tax bill of more than $30K can be a strong motivator.