@Brian Ambuel You bet. 

One thing I can say about Foreign National borrowers, you can usually bet they have good savings, multiple paid on time mortgages and other loans under their belts when they contact me.     

So, if that goes out on the news, I bet someone would start a go fund me page and people will feel sorry and start donating $ 5 or 10 and that might add up to enough for several months rent. 

Your best bet is to connect with some people who can bring you off market deals.

Your best bet is to talk with local brokerages in your area of interest.  3. 

Your best bet is hard money or equity.

I would bet the cash on cash return will not be a calculation you will have to worry about on this deal if you do not have ANY costs to you going into the deal outside of whatever is financed.

Note that this case was enacted before the passive activity rules were enacted in the 1986 tax reform bill and likewise before the 1993 creation of the real estate professional designation.But at the end of the day, if you're looking for primary authority in the code or regs saying, "You don't need to be a real estate professional to claim the home office deduction for rental activities," you're not going to find it.Your best bet would be to challenge the CPA as to why he believes the real estate professional designation is necessary. 

Some HML also supply rehab funds in draws but you need to spend before you get.Private financing is your best bet but you need to sell family/friends/misc contacts on your business plan and how you will pay them back.

@Paul LaSpina Best bet: consult with a competent CPA.