Are my only options to find a hard money lender or get a trusted family/friend to cosign (this is definitely last resort and we haven't determined whether it is a viable option)?

I may br the last resort.

The area is close to a resort area but slightly rural.

Go to a few auctions yourself, and get familiar with the process, players, and what property is generally selling for.

I just kind of think of it as an absolute last resort for emergencies, in the event of a catastrophe (e.g. building burns down).I'm curious how others treat it.

.- Lee Canyon Ski Resort has been sold to Colorado-based Mountain Capital Partners, which will invest in capital improvements and retain the resort's leadership team and support staff; season-pass holders will have access to reciprocal days at other Mountain Capital resorts, which include Brian Head and 11 other ski and mountain-bike resorts from Oregon to Texas.

Purchase price: $225,000 Cash invested: $30,000 This is a 1bd/1ba oceanfront condo with a private balcony located on the 14th floor of Beach Cove resort.

Today sellers see multiple out strategies to sell so owner finance of most of the purchase is a last resort for many of them.It's not impossible but a lot tougher in today's market.      

;) Unfortunately, there was no clear documentation nor communication of BASICS of what to have ready, what to possibly expect, and when/how all the players interact on a close to ensure a smooth transaction.

If people want to instantly resort to assuming I am a know-it-all prick, that is completely fine.