It is super convenient and provides significant savings over traditional carpet stores.

I also know some more traditional lenders, so let me know if you want a referral.I also host a monthly meetup with investors mostly from BP.

Should I be going after traditional real estate deals (since there are lots and lots more of them available, even with a low inventory), or keep pouring everything into my wholesale marketing budget?

@Charles Moore, we offer both traditional real estate services as well as Turn Key services for real estate investors.  

Below I have compared 2 examples of selling traditionally with a Realtor at 6% commisions (which it may be less as it is negotiable) vs selling with opendoor or similar service.Comparing Opendoor to a Traditional Sale with a Realtor$400,000 Home via OpendoorHome Value: $400,000Sales Price: $375,000Charge 12%: $45,000Commissions 7%: $26,250Total Costs via Opendoor: $71,250Net Proceeds to Owner: $303,750$400,000 Home via a RealtorHome Value: $400,000Sales Price: $400,000Traditional Closing Costs 3%: $12,000Commissions 6%: $24,000Total Costs via a Realtor: $36,000Net Proceeds to Owner: $364,000In this Example Selling with a Realtor will save you $60,250!!!

Was hoping to avoid the traditional check method.

Is it set up like a traditional deal, just with the seller as the 'Bank', or are there other steps that need to be taken?

Is it uncommon to only have hard money for the down payment, and to do a traditional financing option for the remainder?

My idea of getting into real estate investing was coming up with 20% of your own money (that's 60k where I live for a low end property), traditional residential mortgage, net maybe $200 a month if I was lucky and repeat the process when I came up with another 20% until I had maybe 40 properties.

If they cant sell it via traditional methods they will be more willing to negotiate with you.