I'm a investor and resident of DeLandhope in the near future we can build a working relationship.

You need to find a way to become an insider.Your referral source already has established relationships with real estate industry professionals, perhaps thru legal groups; perhaps thru social networks and affiliation. 

So I meet them and develop a relationship then present my offer and explain why it's so low.

It's not such a big deal until the water is rising quickly and you are cursing the day you chose to take the advice of an internet message board instead of purchasing the flood insurance and your years of cash flow are about to go poof...or glurg glurg...as it were.The FEMA maps are based on probabilities, not on the anecdotal evidence of elderly citizens or even if a flood has historically occurred in a certain time frame.  100 year flood = 1% chance of that area being flooded.  500 year flood = 0.2% chance of that area being flooded.As with any insurance you can forego it and save a few bucks and you win!!...

Invest where demand is going not Detroit's historical past.

They like to keep good relationships with their clients so they won't be keen to tarnish that with someone who doesn't come off as confident.

We could have gone with a 203k instead of your client’s offer, but chose the cash for obvious reasons as timing is critical to my clients and they are counting on the closing this Thursday, June 18th.It’s a shame your folks do not have a contractor relationship who understands how to create a quality product, while ensuring an investor gains a healthy return on their investment.

I'd suggest building a strong relationship with an agent who can give you proper after repair values as well as understanding if homes are moving in the market.

However they don't usually provide the acquisition financing only construction after acquisition but results vary deending on your relationship with that bank.

What you are really looking for is to build a relationship with a few contractors who know that you will consistently bring them business.