They will be familiar with the market and can provide more competitive terms. 

Similar to real estate, pricing has been on the high side so its finding ways to be creative and finding distressed sellers who are cash poor that need to get rid of product.

Security deposit amountYou can find plenty of examples by searching for "tenant estoppel certificate doc" or exchanging "doc" with "pdf" for more options.Here is an example and explanation: Sample EstoppelSome have a lot of legal jargon but this document does not need to be so detailed.

I did provide yard maintenance at his request when I first took over the property. about 1 year ago. 

Sometimes, we get buyers who are super eager to find their next short-term rental, and they might offer way more than a flipper would.

If anyone currently doing this in my area is willing to share their experience or help point me in the right direction of a stellar real estate agent to help me find my first deal it would be much appreciated!!

If he isn't open to that, you need to find another contractor.

As well as a better ability to find properties? 

These investors can provide the capital to stabilize struggling but fundamentally sound projects, potentially earning higher returns than traditional financing routes.Current State of Mezzanine Debt and Preferred Equity InvestmentsAs of mid-2024, alternative financing in real estate, particularly mezzanine debt, and preferred equity, has gained significant traction.

@Deborah Wodell I like the response that @Drago Stanimirovic provided.