This is a numbers game so you may have to take an aggressive approach towards negotiating several deals before one of them actually works out.

Seller Financing OfferPurchase Terms1. Purchase Price: $215,0002. Down Payment: 20% of the purchase price, equal to $43,0003. Financed Loan Amount: $172,0004. Interest Rate: 6.5% per annum (fixed)5. Initial Amortizati...

At the moment I'm still some time away from investing in Lisbon although I'm interested to find out how you're looking for those deals -Are you using estate agents, a property listing site or direct marketing in the form of letters / door hangers? 

Purchase price: $255,000 Cash invested: $100 Sale price: $260,000 How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Exactly if its a hot deal cash just means you beat out the next guy who needs financing does not mean deep discount .. at least in markets were RE is sought after.

Every area has deals.

Also not sure if you have a retirement fund but you may be able to setup a self directed fund and use a portion of that money for a real estate related investment. definitely not saying your plan is bad or that these are better just giving my thoughts. 

Are they a broker or a direct lender?

Hey Maxwell,Find an area that you would like to farm and start sending out oversized postcards via the USPS's Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). 

Research the area's nuances, understand BRRRR financing strategy, network with local investors, analyze potential deals, use VA loans wisely, explore financing options, and network through investor groups.