I know it seems like a tough task, but can you spend a few more months or a year while you continue to learn to really tighten the budget or find ways to earn a little extra to start from a stronger position?

Partnerships are earned through trust first especially when you are ready to put any sort of money down. 

All the ingredients exist, it only needs organization and leadership. 

U guys earn every dime you get and when I read about Jorge ( cant remember the company) but knew the bizz model.

Wow, take a breath, based on what you wrote here you've earned it. 

@Brent BoltzBrent, it is great that it changed how you look at and value you hard earned $$$. 

It's not fool-proof, but I think odds of earning 7.5% using a barbell strategy in the average year on your money is 97% likely with very very little effort. 

A turnkey property is already renovated and ready to rent, so you don’t have to worry about repairs and can start earning right away.

After five years, I am willing to buy the other owner out or they could stay in and continue earning and enjoying the property. 

As long as you stay invested and let your hard earned capital continue to grow, you can pick your spots when a real estate opportunity offers outsized returns comparatively to other investments.