No matter what, an investor utilizing these techniques will lose to a cash investor.  

If that really isn't an option then what alternatives are there to get my foot in the door, to start building wealth and strong network? 

I have  a seller on a $4m commercial property that was willing to hold a 2nd.  As time went on and he realized that he would be in 2nd position behind the bank I was using to finance a part of the deal ... he balked. ...

The alternative is having the owner call the utility company and provide a deposit then get billed for usage and have the deposit returned by check once the new tenant takes over service.In my opinion, It is only a good idea to rent furnished homes when the property is a short term rental, executive/luxury home, or a student rental and you don't care what happens to the furniture.  

Alternative exit strategies are flipping, and lease-to-own depending on refinancing outcome. 

What do you like for tools, techniques?

Figure out what you want - then figure out which approaches and techniques answer the call of duty respectful of solving those specific issues - then build a matrix between those and your strengths, predispositions, and limitations.

Hi AmberMy wife and I are in the final stages of wrapping up our online real estate license classes at 24by7onlineschool.com which is another alternative to an online course. 

I will be sharing my techniques of finding good deals over several forum posts...even blog posts.So here we go:Science of Finding Deals, Post #1: CONCEPT OF THE LEAD PIPELINEI grew up in a third world country and worse...we were POOR.

I've herd about a technique for getting together funds by opening several credit cards and getting line increases until you have enough to purchase a property, then refinancing out.