You can try to negotiate a lower price (although you can't force them to drop the price), but you have a way out of the contract on your appraisal contingency if they refuse to lower. 

You're asking the right kind of questions.My understanding of the Tax Reform act is that the interest deduction limitation is $750k for a first + second home.With that said, it may be advantageous to purchase the property as a second home, then place it in service as an investment to capture the advantage of a lower rate and deductibility.The catch is that you'll have to keep the property in your name vs. holding title in the name of an entity.

Having lower payments up front could help you make more if that fits your goals of trying to sell it the first couple of years. 

We came in about 8% below list (not my recommendation but cant blame them for taking a shot with a lower offer when its been on market awhile)..  

I have built a decent amount of equity in several downtown Seattle condos I own (50-125% equity in each one), and will be selling them, using a 1031 exchange, to buy in a lower priced market I have identified to get more bang for my buck.

My question becomes, do you place an offer that is much lower than the asking price and just see what happens?

I would also check the water heater because a brand new appliance shouldn't be having these problems even at a lower setting.You may need to ask your family members to move out to save the relationship (and your sanity).

Yes market is at a peak and it will fluctuate but you can't go back and buy at a lower price and you can't predict the future. 

No too much you can do to lower the down payment, what you'll have to do is figure out how to get the money.

Hey I see...so I'm trying to get my assessed property tax lower because the bank loaned extra for the property because we put a lot for a downpayment on a 1031 exchangeWhat's the best way to minimize my property taxes?