@Justice Lee You have a lot more options then simply traditional bank financing!

As long as both parties agree, the Seller should be rewarded for taking the risk on an unqualified buyer.The rent-to-own (also known as a lease-option or option to buy) is an opportunity for a buyer to purchase a home when they are unable to obtain financing through a traditional bank.

Is it impossible to get financing on these deals or just less likely with a traditional/larger lender?

Some of them have interest only loan products to bridge the gap between short term and traditional financing.

Debt-free investing in real estate is unconventional, and traditionally reserved for those who: a) are restricted from using debt, or b) use it as a competitive advantage such as we do.As many BP members know (and will scream from the rooftops) debt is an efficient use of financing to maximize your cash on cash return.

Too anxious to wait for a traditional reverse mortgage, HELOC, etc.

I have a property under contract in which I'm looking for alternative ways to finance it without the traditional 20% down.

If it is 2-4 I would pursue a traditional mortgage in order to get the terms you are looking for.  5+ units you may have to pick and choose what terms are most important to you.  

How would it affect demand to warehouse space and traditional hotel/motel accommodations?

If a banker wants to get you into a traditional 30 year mortgage more than likely they don't know what you are doing and won't be able to get the deal done.