I'm not sure whether to lower price or install a washer dryer or take other action to get it rented. 

Not sure what the licensing differences are but you may need a commercial license to access that database or work though a commercial broker.

C = lower middle class housing, more multi-family mixed in but decent places, some crime but low-level stuff nothing dangerous or violent.

Lenders will sometimes estimate the fees lower to make their quote look better but it's not up to the lender at all.  

Interesting article linked below, and a cautionary one for anyone who considers buying debt in natural disaster areas where the home's value is lower than the debt.

They offer teams a lower desk fee  and they seem to be investor friendly.  

He offered to lower the price to see if I would take a 20 percent down payment and owner financing.

I would expect it to be a lot easier to use the original lender (assuming they are the servicer) because they will be the most familiar with the loan and have better access to loan specific docs.

I offered him a lower standard cash purchase price, and a second higher price if he was willing to do seller financing to help me with funding the renovation.

@Justin Silverio Yes, I do have access to the MLS.