My recommendation would be to choose potential markets - in several price points - that have strong rental demand and year-over-year rent increases and that also are in markets that are appreciating. 

We don't allow any "deal-making" in the forums, which includes advertising your services or properties, looking for partners, etc.

Not a strong argument ;-) I still had to pay off the loan to cure the DOS. 

I'm sure you'll find strong connections on/through this forum.

Yes you partner with them on the individual deal but you get the reps in to become better at watching a deal from start to finish. 

We were going to partner together on it where I build and run a STR on it.

Partnering with private equity firms or debt funds provides access to capital in exchange for structured investment opportunities.- Revolving Credit & Liquidity Management:Instead of taking out separate loans for each property, consider portfolio financing and cross-collateralization strategies to streamline funding and improve cash flow.- Creative Financing Solutions:Options like subject-to deals, seller financing, and syndications can lower capital requirements and increase your purchasing power while providing flexibility for properties with complex financial situations.4.

I was thinking he supplies the down payment and acts as a silent partner.

If its an investment property and you want to buy out your partner, while you probably have a really good rate - you could get a loan if you have the equity in that property.

However, after their "exhaustive" search of thousands of lenders they partner with, they were only able to offer me one loan.