How I would go about it is bring a deal to someone ( a friend or colleague) that I knew had money, offer them the terms I have in mind and continue until I find one.

Sorry to hear about your friend, I have recently lost a deal because of similar circumstance, investor had a death in the family.

A friend of mine from abroad plans to buy a property in CO or FL with a budget of $10 million, but she plans to use Bitcoin to pay for the house.

Then working with a great investor friendly agent locally who can help you find off and on market deals that fit that criteria.

We are good friends but that's also not an issue for them because they are a dual veteran couple.

I have friends who are hard money lenders, and the rates were a no for me as a first time RE investor.

But we were able to resolve conflict pretty well and still remain really good friends today.I would say if you're going to find a partner, you really want to find somebody that you get along really well and who also knows how to work hard and resolve conflict well.

I have a friend who uses this to summarize legal proceedings for his business.

Everyone in real estate will be incentivized to upcharge your friend along the process hurting profitiability. 

I have an 18 year old friend who plays competitive baseball and is a beast in real estate with his mentor.