Sadly, many want the agreement in place BEFORE they have shown a property or did anythingIf you're willing to pay, then why are you so unwilling to sign a document that says that you are willing to pay? 

You are very skilled at assumption, and proficient in being WRONG. 

If you're interested in learning tactile skills like the building trades then doing is probably the best route.

What are some skills you have that you could help hosts with?

But if you already own the home, if you have a skill set that compliments theirs or the downpayment money, their experience may be leveraged to finance the deal.And there is always the "friends and family" approach of trying to get one of your relatives to put up the money, either as a loan or equity, to get started.  

They can sharpen skills you already have, or expose you to things you've never even thought of.

Wow both  of you have strong professional skills for the flipping business.

You'll have to convince private money investors you have the knowledge, skills, talents, expertise and drive to help their money do just that. 

Keep learning and building those skills.

But there is a lot more risk and skill sets involved Developing.