I've also signed up for New Orleans REI meet ups in the upcoming weeks in hopes of making valuable connections in the local market. 

I was trying to work with them to buy more property in different markets and get it under a Master Lease with them but they have been really picky.

How do you identify emerging markets before they become over saturated?

Further, you can ask any student I have individually or privately coached, and I am sure they will agree that I have done nothing but championed for their success.  

In our still relatively limited experience, seller financiers are usually looking to get a higher asking price in exchange for the favor of the private loan. 

Perhaps you could consider hard money in addition to private money?

The other way I fund deals with none of my own money is using a private lender that I have years of experience and relationship with and/or using HELOC and other business lines of credit.

I thought I was buying at top of the market in 2020...and 2022...but prices continue to remain high. 

They are also useful for private phone conversations and could be used for storage of valuables as they could be locked.I'd love to be able to broach this idea with other nationalities and cultures but it's really hard if they're not working very long hours and have hours of free time at home.  

You could explore a private note sale but without hard collateral it could be difficult and would come with a discounted buy out.