However, our friends who are also buying rental properties said their agent always started renting activities early on and usually had a lease in place at the time of closing.

But, see next bit about working off-market sellers for a commission.If I am working with investors looking to flip and I source the property for them, I charge the off-market seller a small commission for bringing them the deal and I run the deal as dual agency to keep the transaction friendly and on track.

Next, IF you have access to private funding (family, friends, colleagues), THEY would likely charge less than HML Interest Rates for any balance still needed.

@Jason Timmerman - Has your wholesaler friend actually done this?  

The new investors that bring investor friendly realtors (such as myself) value is when they start to bring me wholesale deals i can help place with another investor.

I am friendly with both the stroke survivor and investor and after hearing the circumstances was wondering  (hoping) he might have some kind of coverage.  

Thank BP friends!!

Do you have any family/friends that could meet the GC?

I have a great lead on a rental property that I can purchase from a friend.

I did a half-baked screening process because I was trying to help a friend's mother.