Get on the same side of the table with the seller and solve the problem together.

Their victories reflect well on us and reinforce the value we bring to the table.

@Dean Malka thanks for providing that table for rehab cost estimates for Pittsburgh, this is really useful! 

Does that make anyone think, "If you're not bringing any capital to the table then you probably want to avoid this strategy or you probably want to go with this kind of investment"?

For me, adding value is table stakes (and that helps with scalability).

I work but without the weight of the world on me at this job, I also fish more, and spend more time sipping whiskey just watching the sun go behind the mountains....

We were looking at inns all over the White Mountain area.

However, we typically use the FHA-203k loan because it involves a renovation, which I highly recommend if you are looking to really boost your equity and have the cost of the renovation wrapped into your loan with a VERY LOW AMOUNT OUT OF POCKET.I like the FHA loan, but honestly, the Fannie May Home Style is an even better product at this point because you just have to bring a bit more cash to the table 5% vs. 3.5% (w/ FHA), but you have a bit more flexibility.  

An time sensitive opportunity came across my table for a purchase of properties in a bundle.

You could try reaching out to ask questions and maybe that would turn into a sort of mentorship type relationship if adding a partner is not on the table.