I think its because there are a lot of people pushing seller financing right now and private lending because most cannot make the numbers work on a property - so the gurus need something to be able to sell so its this is the flavor of the month. 

Outside of raising money from others or seller financing, I am looking to see if there are private or other lending options that could cover 10-20% of a downpayment on these loans with a shorter loan term of say 5 years.

Ensure your flip profits exceed the LOC costs, maintain a financial buffer, and compare it to private or hard money loans.

Does anyone have any strategies on how to a position a partnership with a private lender in order to start to obtain a Rental portfolio (with no out of pocket capital)

Like contact cases, wrapped toothbrushes among other things.They do get used and I am sure they are appreciated.They might not state it in their 5 star review, but I am betting that it creates positive thoughts and that helps the reviews.

I have a potential private lender, but I need to determine if this is a viable investment opportunity and explore the best financing options 

How about a house with an ADU, or a basement with a private entrance that can be rented out?

I believe the best bet to get a good deal is to target pre-foreclosures with good chunk of equity.

If you have deep pockets, I think Austin will eventually reward you, but if you are a newbie in real estate looking to cash flow positive day one or shortly thereafter, Austin is probably not your best bet in TEXAS.  

I had never heard of such a thing.. and most private flippers dont know it either So like on our subdivisions whatever LLC we own it in that LLC also has to have a developers license .. so  If you have multple subdivision going in multiple LLC you need multiple developers licenses.. where this can stymie some folks  NOT EVERYONE can qualify for a Bond.