The spread left in the escrow is now released  to you.You do this same method with hedge funds  

While possible to do after you have many properties where it can be paid off quickly I would not recommend doing it out front. using this method to circumvent saving cash will only lead to over leverage and a false feeling of investing to slow you down later  

Here are some additional methods to help you find off-market deals:Networking: Make connections with other investors, real estate professionals, and possible sellers by going to regional real estate meetings, networking events, and industry conferences.Direct Mail Campaigns: To connect with homeowners in certain neighborhoods or with particular property attributes, create a tailored direct mail campaign.Driving for Dollars: Identify foreclosed or distressed properties by physically driving or strolling around neighborhoods.

I appreciate your methodical next step. 

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

It can also be advantageous to repeat the house hacking method, which lets you reside in one apartment and rent out the others to pay for housing costs.Continuing education on real estate investment through conferences, books, podcasts, and classes can lead to new contacts and resources.

I reached out to the college near our house to post on campus, but is there a better way besides that method or Facebook?

Is an LLC a secure, 100 % fool proof method to protect my parents assets?

Don't promote properties at meetups because it's perceived as a desperate method.

House hacking and multi-family real estate are two great methods to begin developing your real estate portfolio while making steady revenue.