Quote from @Scott Tennell: What creative financing strategies have you found to be the most effective in today's real estate market, especially in terms of working with sellers or investors in challenging conditions?

Additionally, are there any other methods, approaches or strategies you’d suggest for someone just starting out in this space?

One STR can make much more than many LTR style investment strategies. 

What creative strategies have you found successful?

The strategy is to buy and hold with positive cashflow.  

Great tools that get updated regularly.I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.We are all here to help you learn and grow.

I’d be happy to connect, chat through strategies, or see how we can work together.

It sounds like you should discuss specifics with a knowledge RE tax professional and discuss tax strategies.

I'm writing this in December 2024, when every other question asked on the Bigger Pockets tax forum is about STRs. If you're not sure what the fuss is all about, read this older post first:https://www.biggerpockets.com...

For long-term strategies, a cash-out refinance is usually more advantageous, as it preserves ownership and offers fixed terms.To proceed, start with a professional appraisal to confirm the home’s value, compare refinance terms with traditional lenders, and carefully scrutinize shared-equity program terms to ensure they align with your financial goals.