If you present them with the opportunity to partner, they may jump in with both feet.Two thoughts:1.

i live in the suburbs of Baltimore and for the past 5 years I've wanted to house hack a multi-family building and I finally have the down payment needed today.I've been looking in Baltimore County and City for these opportunities but a mixed use building just came on my radar. 

I never pay MLS list price.

Assuming you have access to MLS (Multiple Listing Service, a place for agents to list deals).1) Look for deals that look like investor-type of deals (e.g. low purchase price, ugly houses, or sometimes MLS will even say what type of financing it is)2) If the buyer's info is there, voila.  3) Otherwise, contact the realtor to look for leads (that will be more of a uphill battle, but you never know...)

Purchase price: $150,000 Cash invested: $15,000 Sale price: $301,000 Found this deal off market and flipped it quickly for a profit.

If the rehab is good, lower price and you'll get applicants.

We’re interested in investing in another property in the area, but the prices are quite high.

How would YOU go about finding an opportunity under those people, if you had no ins or connections?

In addition, if housing prices do dip (they inevitably cycle), having real estate in your portfolio could be a big win.3.

Purchase price: $12,000 Sale price: $18,000 Double wide on 2 lots by the lakes that needed completely gutted and rehabbed.