short sale is not for everyone. you may end up wasting your time and money. the key to a successful short sale is to work with someone who not only knows about it but have had good record on getting it done. this will require knowledge and skills for both agents. Don't try to cut your agent's commission for this kind of transaction. you will need them to be 100%. under current market condition in many places, short sale is the only thing that you may get a deal, but don't even think about out fox the bank. they know what they are doing by now. as for 讨价还价 after inspection, experienced listing agent will suggest the seller to request that buyer to get the inspection done up front. Only so, buyer may have a chance to get something. by the time the lien holder already approved the sale and the price after 3, 6 or even 12 months waiting, you will not want to restart the process over again. good luck.