How do the numbers work out in the more expensive properties?

To your successJosh  I agree with Josh, your job is not to break even, your job is to profit, so work out a win win so that you can profit

Vacation properties can be management-intensive.  

There are endless ways to work out a split.

This was completed with 2 joint venture partners, and worked out completely by us (Dennis Smith and Liz Brumer) We purchased the note from a fund and began the workout right away.

Returns are pretty good, although finding tenants has been quite tought, but it will work out.

You have to be able inspire enthusiasm and belief that the deal will work out as you say and explain what is in it for the investor and how you will protect that investment the best as possible.If you do not understand exactly how the numbers break down, where those numbers come from, why that neighborhood or market is a good choice, how long you expect it to take and explain why, offer proper collateralization of the investment and be able to answer a number of other basic questions that will come up, you'll have a tough time getting someone to invest in you. 

It can be a management intensive endeavor if you have to match up the roommates.

I've tried the facebook method of @shamusquirk but it didn't work out that easy.  

I think you might be able to work out a win-win situation for properties where you might be interested.If you give him the criteria you are looking for, ask him to run some of these properties by you if he has any that respond.