Most properties seem to be overpriced, often listed by pro investors trying to unload them, and have been sitting on the market for six months or longer.While I could put 50% down to make the cash flow work, that approach would likely derail my goal of acquiring four units in four years.

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

I am new to creative financing and don’t exactly know the ins and outs of what would be the best way to approach this.

Here’s how I approach niching down to a specific audience:Analyze Your Market DemographicsStart by researching your market to identify who is booking short-term rentals in your area.

I feel like there’s a balance between being decisive and being reckless, and I’d love to hear how you guys approach this.

As I approach my move out strategy where I will be converting my upper unit into a STR, I often think of guest interaction amongst the two units.

Another approach would be to just keep my eyes open for all sorts of deals of any type, and to try and go for it when a great one comes up..

My wife and I have overhauled our personal budget to reflect the 'pay yourself first' approach (allocate in order: income comes in -> invest -> donate -> fixed expenses -> variable expenses -> fun $$).We are looking to see what experienced people generally recommend for a holding tank for that 'invest' allocation while we target our first real estate deal.What financial vehicles have you guys used that works well for this?

These methods include: Detailed Engineering Cost ApproachDetailed Engineering Cost Estimate ApproachSurvey or Letter ApproachResidual Estimation ApproachSampling or Modeling ApproachExperience or “Rule of Thumb” ApproachIt’s important to understand the differences between the approaches including which one best fits your property and the reliability of each approach.DETAILED ENGINEERING COST APPROACHThis approach compiles the costs from construction and accounting reports to build a report.

You could start with your agent or a local agent who supports investors and could have contacts to refer to you.Lastly, you could consider negotiating with a local PM to take on a hybrid approach to management.