Self employed and struggling with lending

[Krista Burke]

I am self-employed and really struggling with traditional lending. My husband and I have saved money up, paid off the credit card debt and raised our credit scores to excellent , all to start the goal that we have of investing in real estate. My husband has a W-2 job but I have been a self-employed hairstylist for the last five years. I have been hitting roadblock after roadblock with traditional lending. Currently I am looking into getting a HELOC if I can, but does anyone have any advice on other creative lending strategies? Feeling so discouraged as I'm so eager to get started! I refuse to give up and know that I can make this happen I just need some advice on what to do or try next that I haven't thought of.

My husband has a couple family members who are investors that we could potentially come to for private lending? What is the proper way to come to them as far as a credibility packet with out having started yet?

Thanks everyone have a great Labor Day weekend!