I found what seemed to be a great property with a house for an STR and other space that I could expand for camping/RV sites and a barn that could be converted into a venue for events. 

Squatters are a real problem nationally and a study found that they target not only vacant properties but those advertised for rent or sale that offer 'immediate occupancy.' 

So in the FWIW file what I see all the time is those trying to start out and getting the same returns as those with a lot of experience. you need to build your experience bucket and as you make your partners money U can adjust profit splits.. other wise I suspect nothing will happen unless of course you can tap your warm market that will do this because they like you.

As noted above, a cash deal with all capital liquid in an account today is going to be taken much more seriously than a financed deal or a syndicated deal.  10% EM hard at contract signing and a 45 day close with no extensions will be taken more seriously than 3% EM hard after 30 days, with a 60 day close and 2x 30 day extensions.  

@Alex Houser You need more numbers and a proper inspection to justify the price. 

And a .81 in Nampa, ID. 

For a cash out refi, you are generally limited to 75% LTV and rates right now are in the mid 7s for good credit and a DSCR over 1.0. 

Once you find someone willing to let you shadow them, approach it with professionalism and a willingness to learn.

Id keep looking if it was not an approved short sale ( even an approved short sale takes a very very long time and theres no guarantee that you will even close on the house after months of waiting). q1)There are plenty of non traditional lenders that could offer you construction financing if the numbers make sense but it will cost you with points and a higher rate.

A few days before the sale the frame farm house was burnt to the ground and all that was left was the standing brick chimney and a lage pile of ashes.