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. 

I have clients who bought pre sale, 20% down, but now can't qualify for the mortgage as completion approaches (they came to me after buying and we will make it happen, but they were close to assigning) and with the uncertainty, private investors aren't as willing to lend, even with solid equity in the home, not to mention the private lenders are drying up as they did a lot of lending on the private builds that were booming. 

He said yes, I am wondering what is the best way I should approach our sit down talk about the details.

I have been approached by Real Estate companies wanting help in locating owners of vacant or distressed properties, thought i should look into this service more.