My realtor/contractor/friend agreed to show them to me.

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 have a potential partner who is a long-time friend.

If anything, have a small sign in front of the house that says who the builder is and phone number (that's common for contractors to do, and also so that neighbors feel they have some to call if there is dust blowing from the site or whatever), and then you may have people calling you asking about availability (people always want something more that they had to chase and can tell their friends the story of how they got the house). 

From what I can see around here it is a landlord friendly state so when you turn your prop into a rental you should do well as long as the numbers are good.Acquisition is all about entry price.

I did this and Jimmy and I became friends, sometimes travelled the “guru” circuit of those days together, and I stayed at his house and he often stayed at mine.  

A friend years ago had over 40 inner city rowhouses.

Friendly reminder to anyone else reading to carefully review your PMA before you sign it and before you decide to change property management companies.  

Quote from @Carlyn Chism: Please share lenders who are low credit score friendly and or hard money lenders that are easy to work with, e.g. won’t tie your money up in draws. 

I've lost friends and family to substance abuse so it seemed like an opportunity to do some good and make money in the process.I negotiated a sweet deal, and was prepared to buy it myself, but a few of my clients expressed interest and I ended up helping two of them form a partnership.