There are cheaper one’s in D/F areas but I would be careful as those can create a laundry list of additional issues.

Seems like everyone wants to wholesale here - The competition is really high - I dont really wholesale unless it makes sense for everyone but my advice would be to try and hit the lists that arent already super flooded ( pre foreclosure, vacant, etc.) 

Quote from @John Clark: Did you check for houses on the auction list,  or you can check with banks and look for REOs and convert that into a single family home and house hack or turn it into a Airbnb. 

If they're brokerage is of any size, you will likely run into listings from their brokerage and you don't want to exclude yourself from those, especially if you like the agent you are working with.

After waiting out a lengthy eviction and doing nothing more than a clean-out, we listed it with a realtor—and walked away with just shy of $200K in profits!

I didn't want to list this under Scenario 1 as it's redundant and whether or not having more control over your down payment is a pro/con is pretty case-specific.3. ???

One didn't make your list.1) I see people all the time raising money for real estate deals but they call it a partnership either because they are ignorant of the law or they are trying to avoid paying for all the legal work. 

Good to know as I have a property coming on the market and we had one off market offer already all cash but at 10% list price discount (which we most likely will reject).Curious if you think the california fires will assist the market since many of those people need places to live for years and I am guessing some will flee california?

Or would it be better just to have my agent show and list the property? 

I am helping other investors as a realtor now, so if you are ever interested in listing it or just want some comps, let me know.