Is there any way to get around all of the extra fees and restrictions and paperwork to make this a smooth transaction.

Currently I do not have the best credit (fair) and not so much extra cash.

I am in the same field, and I got into real estate and think it works fairly well with education (if your job has some flexibility like mine)...I can recall spending like a hundred grueling hours fighting over half someone's deposit in the legal aid office and stalling the eviction an extra week or two on  technicalities (a noble cause for sure), but they still, of course, were evicted eventually with no money.

Use this time to build up a cushion of extra cash cushion to be able cover the full mortgage payment on your place for three months.  

You'll make a few extra trips to the gas station, but the equipment will run better with fresh gas. 

Just don't rationalize lifestyle inflation with the extra money.

Works best if you have a property under contract first, show your potential partners how much they will make and how long it will take.Look at 50 houses in one area, become an expert in that neighborhood  of valuesDo something to earn an extra $100.00 per day (read the book)Good luck

If he can't do that without an extra incentive, he won't do it with one.  

Bravo.If you'd like an extra set of eyes on the market, feel free to reach out and let me know what you look for (in terms of both investment criteria and property criteria).  

I would just have to borrow extra if I were to pay 20% down, which would prevent me from paying the mortgage insurance.