Some have done owner financing with an agreement to pay all interest and equity splits when the home sells others have done it where they do a quitclaim adding their name onto title with the seller so once rehab is done the seller can't try and cut you out of the deal. 

Where would you find a good mentor to fund the emd and down.

Hard to do in the beginning but that's where I feel comfortable. 

You didn't mention where you are operating, but depending on average home prices, I think you'll be ok.For instance if we're talkin $500k homes, and if you will get a 2.5% commission, split that 50/50 with your Broker, you will end up with $6,250 per sale, right?

I feel like i am in this awkward in the middle stage where I still need to work my corporate job, but right on the cusp to make real estate my fulltime job.   

Where have you looked so far for comps? 

What you are describing is a "dual agent" role, where the agent represents both buyer and seller.

I have noticed quite a few posters lately that are requesting help, opinions, prices and information on their properties where a good answer would require either the square footage, the location or both....and they provide neither.

Routt County, where Steamboat is, bans STRs.

If NY is where you decide to be I would strongly recommend connecting with @Mohammed Rahman he is who I would use.