Owner Carry Duplex Deal - How to Get Down Pmt w/low Credit?

[Tracy Taylor]

Hi Everyone. 

I am a real estate agent with four fix and flip projects under my belt. I am trying to purchase my first Buy and Hold Duplex - where I will also live. Due to divorce I cannot get conventional financing YET, but recently secured a great property with an Owner Carry contract. Nothing is final yet because I need to still come up with a small down payment of just under $20k including closing costs. Hard money lenders need to be the first mortgage. Plus their interest rates are nuts at 12%+  Any ideas on how to approach private investors to for the down pmt w/o giving up a partnership stake?

Thanks for any ideas!