One thing that could really help is creating a detailed scope of work before committing.

Adding and making better could sell or rent faster, but it won't get you more than what the market ARV and rent is set at from other similar comps in the area....and your Interior Design background will help, if you you it mostly as an understanding of cost. 

Private Lender Partnership: Partner with a private lender or investor willing to take a second lien position to get you to 85-90% cash out.

Once you go under contract, (here in Texas) fine a title company that works fast that you can trust, even before the contract is assigned know if they work with wholesalers and how they can help you.

Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

The "private money", btw, is supposed to be Arnold's own money from one of his three "private equity firms."

Quote from @Collin Luckett: I have a couple houses I’d like to put under contract as fix and flips and would like to you private money lenders to help fund.

Private investors want to invest in deals they believe will be profitable.

It may be worth having an experienced professional helping you and you could always try to get the seller to pay your agent’s fees.

Yelling won't help.