These lenders will assess your situation and provide you with the best solution, they're all local as well.

For reference I am in the northeast.

We are looking for a solution that would meet both of our needs

This could be a good short-term solution if you're planning on refinancing again into a long-term product down the road.

Partner referred it to me, and we negotiated directly with the sellers How did you finance this deal?

Out of state owner looking to sell home in Mesquite, TX (near corner of Ripplewood Dr. and Salerno Dr. for reference) for higher price through creative finance. 

Then asked if I had friends to refer him to if I wasn't interested...yeah right send my friends to a scammer. 

My primary people have been good at referring others to me generally - like when my handyman was on vacation, he referred me another handyman when I had a need that had to be tended to within a few days5.

This is often referred to as a "seller carryback" for the second portion.

Even a contractor with 30+ years of experience only knows what they know - so, they may not know the most cost-effective solution:(5) Political trends that may lead to more controls on landlords - being forced to accept S8, not being able to deny for evictions, rent control, etc.