Financing:Learning about how financing works in real estate is key.

Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

While it is true that the time of year can influence market activity, as others have mentioned, there is usually a trade-off depending on the season.

The key question,  especially as a finance guy, to ask "Can I deploy that same $15k more efficiently to and get a better result?" 

But I feel like having the bank connections (to automatically pull in those expenses/revenues) is key to streamlining things.

The key is to highlight how the arrangement could help the landlord achieve their goals while allowing you to secure a property you see long-term value in. 

An extremely detailed scope of work along with an extremely detailed contract, are the keys to a project that is going to finish on schedule and on budget, without surprises. 

Consider cash-for-keys.

And what is your price point and are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"? 

most of these "youtubers" etc social influencers are nothing more than paper tigers.