They may not do full public offerings but they very likely are taking outside capital.

I'm not a lawyer, but from my understanding you don't need a securities license to raise capital for your OWN deals (i.e. deals where you are the principal or a general partner).Also, the name of your title doesn't make much of a difference for anything other than marketing.

Other than coming up with 20%+ down on the full amount, how could owner financing play into this situation to limit the amount of capital required upfront?

If, during that time, you had 2 years of use as your primary residence, then capital gains exclusion applies. 

They may be lower in your area, but make sure to calculate them properly especially when putting that much capital behind a project.

Whether that be a handyman that needs a private capital partner, or a private capital investor looking for handymen. 

I'm always looking for new capital investors and team partners in various metropolitan areas to grow a portfolio together.Enjoy the journey!

He has figured out how to invest and capitalized on his time to give himself the ability to build a lifestyle that lets him travel.I don't want to share his entire story and say anything wrong.  

I want to use the capital from selling my townhome to purchase a new home, and potentially a rental home, or buy a duplex and house hack.

If you understand an asset class such as real estate (or private lending, or venture capital ...) and can get better results for your IRA by investing in what you know, then a self-directed IRA makes sense.