In some cases the bankable borrowers conscientiously choose to fund their projects with alternative lender because they  can achieve better leverage, won't have to maintain a set depository relationship with a bank, or they need to settle quickly.

Learn about Form 1003 and if you are really motivated, learn the Fannie Mae underwriting requirements, specifically Part B. 

I bet they are getting a barrage of leads right now with many motivated sellers looking to sell their homes to anyone.

Another option is seller financing, where you negotiate directly with a motivated seller to carry the note instead of going through a bank.

I came from doing everything self motivated and always had a battle with all the things i do in life, and continue to try and cultivate positive self-belief.

While I have little to no experience in real estate, I'm eager to learn and explore the strategies needed to achieve my goals in this field.

You might not be able to beat that top earner if they have something you can’t achieve (ie lake front or better views), but knowing what amenities matter in your market is an essential step in determining what you need to provide. 

All that valuation is based on some basic MVP, yet VCs are okay with it since they only need one out of a hundred to achieve a 100x return to make it all worth it.

If you had a real buyer lined up and were adding value to the transaction by connecting them to the motivated seller, then that would be different.

I bought my stuff cheap for cash, most over a decade ago.We still find distressed properties and motivated sellers willing to get rid of unwanted properties cheap that we fix up and rent out.I also use cash from my self directed IRA to also buy properties for cheap.