Sounds like he may have some motivation to sell.

Seller has a property that caught fire and its not livable.

The seller actually LISTED the house after he signed with me.

Id also check out if the property you have in mind is USDA eligible, its zero down payment, there is a funding fee but that can be wrapped into the loan, and with seller paid closing cost you can be in a multifamily for nothing.

Hi, Tony,  I don't know the price range in your area, but my favorite strategy is to try to find an seller who owns their property free and  clear (i.e. no mortgage).

Very similar to off market properties that are sold...buyers typically have to pay their agents, as the sellers don't usually want to pay out a commission. 

But in NY, in our market, 1 out of about every 30 potential seller leads is a deal. 

Give the whole report to the seller and see what they will fix 

There are some good opportunities here, imo, but I'm afraid the environment combined with the crime rate will stop people from renting or buying here.Is a whole seller someone with a different strategy compared to the fix and flip guys?

There is a variety of ways to invest your money, real estate by far to me is the safest bet and Oh the tax write offs should be more than a good motivation by itself.