I pretty much treat them like I'm a kid writing a letter to Santa Clause.I want to learn to fly airplanes.I want to do work that I enjoy.I want to have more control over my future.I want to do work that gets me somewhere.I want to meet cool people.I want to build one of those kegerators out of the freezer like I saw on that YouTube video once.I want to buy my mom the bed and breakfast that she said she wanted to start.I want to be able to go to a freaking doctor's appointment at 1 pm without having to arrange for a substitute (I teach high school right now).Sure, most of my reasons are selfish, and I'm okay with that.

As someone who works as a commercial GC for my day job, I'd say it's certainly possible to substitute yourself as the GC.  

My suggestion of substituting it with the washing machine which was not included in the sale was nixed that the seller needs it and "this is just part of short sale downsides." 

No matter how many books you read or seminars you attend, there is no substitute for making offers and getting deals.

No Lender Points No Commitment Fees Limited Appraisal - No Environmental No Replacement Reserves Monthly / Annual Leases Acceptable Substitute Leases With Bank Statements A, B and C Property Types Considered No Balloon or Call Provisions Maximum LTV 80% / 85% CLTV Step Down Prepayment Minimum DSC of 1.20:1 Standard 1 Fee Closing Cost No Outside Legal Fees 60 Day Rate Lock Limited Impound Requirements Section 8 - Subsidized Rents OK Assumable at Lender Discretion - 3% Seller Concession Allowed on Purchases - 10% Seller 2nd Allowed - Contact CommercialBanc to Learn More - - Reduced Recourse and Non-Recourse Personal Guarantees Available - Mixed-Use Commercial/Residential Acceptable to 25% Commercial Use - Small Balance Conduit Multifamily Loan Program Option Starting at $500,000 - In-House Mezzanine Financing Option to 85% CLTV - Mobile Home Parks Eligible for Apartment Loan Program with 15+ Pads - Property management experience is generally required for properties with 12 or more units, or property management letter and resume may be substituted

Even though it's not required it is good practice to let your Seller know that you are substituting another buyer.

I will start wholesaling next year and will be in the same boat as Joseph was because I will not have a job (outside of substitute teaching) so I will have very little income, but do have a pretty large amount of cash saved up just in case.

Substitute stock price for RE price, and dividends for annual rents for five years.

Around here we do that by substituting the purchaser (requires a Motion to be granted by the court) but yes, partnering with another investor might solve this problem for OP.

For many, their mortgage payment was simply a substitute for their monthly rent payment.