There are several ways to get into the property management space without risking a large outlay of capital, makes sense to keep your options open as to the approach you choose.

How do you approach this question?

The way I approached it is by having a local vacation rental management company, I complement bookings the rental management company gets with my own advertisements.In the AZ area I went with a company called AwayLiving. 

Since winter is approaching we want to get them now on a 6 month lease to stay until spring.  

I've now been approached by investors through my personal network, and I can see the opportunity associated with taking on investor capital; however, what is the best way and structure to take on the additional capital? 

Obviously, it's going to be a long wait, but I had thought that I might be able to approach him with some alternative financing ideas after some time (he doesn't want to hold paper...yet).

I’m also not sure how to approach someone about helping me get started.

I do hope you can find a way to negotiate your way out of this, but I would suggest that trying to make the other guy "wronger" than you is probably not the best way to approach it.

different approach...pay cash for it and then do a delayed refinancing.

But I believe, with the right approach, the right strategy and appropriate implementation and follow through one can make it worthwhile.