It’s more about offering a different option for owners who need capital, and offering investors to access the world of real estate investing fast and smart, like never before. 

Some lenders offer discounts to return borrowers so maybe look into both flip and DSCR rates when finding a lender. 

After talking to another family member they said they would be willing to go in on the duplex and offered to pay the $40,000 down payment and help with any repairs but they want to be "partners" or "own" a percentage of the duplex.

Start anywhere—offer to assist, intern, whatever it takes—and absorb as much knowledge as you can.

Sloan, he seems to be knowledgeable about commercial real estate and after peering over his website briefly, it seems that he offers personalized training to people new to the business. 

Quote from @Rick Im: Does anyone know of a lender that offers second mortgages on rental properties?

This is the only thing holding me back from making an offer on this really good deal.

A few others have called out Hemlane, who appear also quite responsive here on BP and also offer a degree of repair/work order management baked right into their middle/upper tier offerings (versus having to bolt-on as with RentRedi + Latchel). 

i have made a few offers, and haven't gotten a workable deal yet. 

That has nothing to do with us but we still offered to help you.