Great topic.In my experience I have seen some very inexperienced investors stumble through a deal (to their credit) in spite of their negotiating skills.Their biggest weapon was coming at the discussions from the place of how they could solve the sellers problem(s).Of course... those that developed more advanced negotiating skills not only increase their profits, they also got more deals to the closing table.One of my all time favorite negotiating books, one that I require all of my clients to read, is The Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson.

"The FBI has no problem with a short sale in which the buyer pays for a home and is then able to sell it for a profit.

I think they will nationalize them, get them up and running again and then sell the stocks back at a profit allowing freddie and fannie to return back to the private sector with the government making money on the investment...

I just want to know to based on the comps and repairs plus im looking to make a profit of $10k...Would $80k be a reasonable offer?

A theory that states it is possible to make money by buying securities, whether overvalued or not, and later selling them at a profit because there will always be someone (a bigger or greater fool) who is willing to pay the higher price.

The other expenses you outline were also included in their profit and loss and, therefore in the NOI.

Majority of the auction properties here in my area are bought by the bank.The few that sell to investors are at high prices with very little profit margin.

and all costs (out of pocket) you spend must be recovered "before" you can make a profit. 

Because my current apt (soon to be listed) is a rental property I have to buy a single family, condo or a duplex for rental purposes to qualify for the 1031 exchange (to pay little to zero taxes on profit). 

I walked in and smelled that familiar smell of funk and burned almonds.