I can't, however, credit PoL for seeing to it that the interest and the returned principal matched the amount I originally invested, as they did not provide any further details suggesting that they took care of things.

It seems as though my taste in properties does not match my capital for the common 20% down requirements.

Build deep relationships, and dig to find lenders who's products closely match your needs.

The trick is finding the right match.

That said, have made one offer (turned down, but stayed disciplined based on pro forma from  BP rent calculator and didn't try to match other offer), and am making offer on another two properties this week.

That does not necessarily mean that deeds must match always.  

Sometimes talking with them may get a reduction, as some lenders have a price match policy. 

Keep in mind the housing stock is olders (100+ yrs) and as such needs a repair budget to match.

@Joshua Rountree - Not sure what you're asking exactly, but I'll try to help based off what I take away from this.First - the offer would likely have to be under your partner's name since a cash offer will require a POF which the names have to match the POF and the offer - otherwise you could just be taking someone else's bank statement and saying they will fund it with no legally binding contract.

In order to find a good match think about the types of investments you are likely to make.