Submitting real offers that you feel confident actually closing on and having a strong sponsor to work with that has a track record will go much further towards you winning deals.In short, you can pursue larger deals right out of the gate if you want to, but generally expect that it'll take you longer to win one and make sure you have the right players on your team so that you're prepared to win them and to close them once you do.

Possible (but I doubt easy) if seller takes a 2nd / subordinate position to the bank or is secured by other property you own.

I like that you can setup different virtual accounts for security deposit let's say, or to separately ledger cash collected through a rent to own contract.

Key point is WITH a SECURED border to stop the flood of 100k-300k monthly illegls. 

.- There is risk in that the rehab has not been completed and the financing has not been secured so there may be unforeseen issues with the home or lending process that may cost more than the estimated costs which can then reduce profits.- The tenant buyer may decide to not exercise the option or may decide to terminate the lease early which may produce a profit less than the projected returns.- The money partner is not the only owner of the company which owns the property and thus has limited decision making over the property.

I am currently waiting on a rather large legal settlement to hopefully hurry up and get him his $16,000 or if we can find someone to go ahead and pay him off early (no prepayment penalty), which would be hopefully paid off sooner than later as well in exchange for a secured lien on the property plus repayment of the $16,000 plus interest short term.

Additional escrow may be added for security for the seller.

Will you act as KP in my deals, offering your balance sheet and liquidity to help me secure a deal?

An experienced  " player "  has all, you need nothing !  

There really isn't a safe, secure way for someone to protect their interests.