I have another one were I optioned 120 acres that just got brought into long term planning for chips act. paid 5 million for it and spend 10k a month negative..

Speak soon

If you pay more, you won't meet your metrics and will probably have negative cashflow and/or equity.You may have to make 10, 20 or even 100 offers to get one accepted at the price that meets your numbers.This is what all investors did BEFORE the Great Real Estate Crash of 2008-2010.

I can't speak for any other wholesalers, but I know I just got a wholesale deal off MLS working with the realtor and was able to offer more than the sellers minimum, while also matching my buyers buy box.

In fact it's the exact opposite, 1% of commercial agents don't know what owner financing is after doing this model daily and speaking to 100's of commercial agents.

Institutional lenders will look at your non/short employement as a negative. 

What Are there creative strategies investors are using to offset those negative cash flows? 

@Sanjay Singh but I’ve noticed that many houses there are within my budget ....Can't comment on the Indianapolis market but generally speaking buying real estate in a particular market because the housing is within your budget is not a valid reason to invest.

That HE loan would make you cash flow negative on the first property, especially considering you are not even factoring in any repairs, maintenance, vacancy or management.

What you will have is an RE that is cash flow negative that is unlikely to experience significant appreciation.