In most cases I don't quote my asking price in first message as buyers many times surprise me with an offer higher than it would be my asking price.
This could be tricky as some potential end users might not even answer you as they think you will ask $5000. No problem, if you don't make a sale within a 7 days you may contact them all again and quote some low price this time ($50-$150). I have great experience with this tactic.
Maybe it would be good if I quote a price in my first message, but I usually don't do that because of given reasons.
I often send 200+ emails (targeted) and receive no more than 5-10% replies where half is "No thanks" and the other half "How much?" or even straight offer.
In most cases sales is certain.
200+ emails on 80+ potential end users because I send to whois address, web email and directly to owner or C-level management when possible.
I think this is the best way of domaining as it is the most liquid and you don't need more than $10 to start. Even if you start by taking GoDaddy auctions name you dont need more than $15-$30. Everyone could do this.
The only "problem" is that you need to work for your profit. I spend 5-6 hours of effective work for each sale. I am lazy so I don't work everyday, sometimes even for weeks. But if you are hard working you could really earn high $xxxx each month. Lets say that average sale is $200. That would be $6000 per month. With $250 as an average it would be $7500. If you get only 1 $xxxx sale it would be even more. You just need to work everyday
Or you can frequently get $xxx if you will work only frequently. The choice is yours.
How to work each day when there are holidays, weekends etc.? No problem if you use "send later" option with your e-mail. You can work each day even 12 hours hours and prepare 2 sales with "send later option". No matter which day it is and if it is a holiday or weekend. That would be 60 potential sales, and if you get only 40/60 you would earn high $xxxx each month.
I usually send emails from Monday-Thursday at 9-11am considering local time of each potential end user. The best Tuesday-Thursday because I like to think potential end users are occupied with unfinished work and week plans on Monday, and are "away" on Friday as they plan their weekend.
You can prepare your email on Sunday 2am with "send later" option so it will be delivered whenever you want. So you can work even 24 hours per day, if you are capable of that, and enough crazy. No limits.
This is a real job and you have to work, but it definitely payoffs.
Or/and you can purchase some valuable domain and wait for the offers. Potentially much higher sale, but you never know when it will come and you will not be liquid.