I've been using it a few years as well and mostly like it for my smaller portfolio across multiple entities and states.  

If you're considering the Midwest too, the lower entry costs and higher cash flow might balance your portfolio.

Non-conforming/portfolio loans, which aren’t conventional loans, will allow as little as 20% down. 

Some quick background I have a growing portfolio of 19 doors, I am a full-time property manager and have a side gig as an REA.

I don't see how they could, since things happen... but again, granted there is no guarantee, these companies are claiming such high averages and they have such huge portfolios and good reputations, so it makes me wonder.

A cash purchase, added to my portfolio, reduces my levergage ratio on my real estate portfolio, but does not bring it to zero of course as I am not paying off existing low rate mortgages on rentals. 

My current portfolio consists of 8 units, a fourplex, a duplex and two SFHs, in 3 different states.

Does anyone have any strategies on how to a position a partnership with a private lender in order to start to obtain a Rental portfolio (with no out of pocket capital)

However, we are hoping to continue our investing portfolio where we currently live and have a lot of equity tied up in this home, preventing us from moving forward.

But in terms of being able to grow a portfolio with a ton of equity and solid cash flow, being a builder in this area really works.I think the STR part of it also helps as well.