If you have intention of using your IRA or IRA/LLC for multiple investments throughout the year, or any concern that a "deal" may need to be funded in a "compressed time frame" this is one of the best structures from both an efficiency as well as a cost perspective in my opinion.  

This was a great motivator. 

I’m definitely willing to seek out motivated sellers and buying at a (somewhat) discount, as I never pay retail prices for anything.  

What's the motivation?

Hi guys, I'm a project manager/interior designer recently moved to Sacramento, CA looking for some motivated people to partner with and do some deals.

Ive skipped over the motivation books.

Every now and then, I find sellers who have their hair on fire and come to hate the business they've built and want OUT.Until you know the seller's motivation, it's really impossible to say whether it means anything about market conditions.

We are motivated and dedicated to getting this started,  but we can't get past the first step of getting our first deal. 

There are many sites which I know of in which you can pay either a per list fee, or a subscription fee, to have access to motivated seller lists.My question is does anyone have any recommendations for ways to obtain these lists that may be more affordable?

If you can identify what the seller's motivations are (easier said than done), then you'll be heading in the right direction towards getting a deal.If you can close quickly with cash and no or few contingencies, you can usually get a better deal on a home than someone with traditional financing that takes 30-60 days to close.To answer your questions:1.