BiggerPockets has become a bigger business and therefore needs more revenue to sustain the higher expenses and profit, and it gets revenue from ad space, not from meetups.

Unless the seller is willing to finance more of the property, you will likely have to put in 20% plus the rehab costs.

Additionally, try collaborating with local businesses like spas, wellness practitioners, yoga, wineries/taprooms, etc... and try some messaging with them around wanting to promote them in your blog and on your property.

I browsed for trustee sale in North Carolina but nothing coming up, except the the listings on Xome.com for online bidding I am not in the business of buying foreclosures so I am not sure which trustees post it on their site or if its best to search the areas newspaper for public notices.

Evict them and eat the cost.

It costs $18/mo per contract and $145 annually but is worth it at this level.   

This property is close to the down town, near a bus line, and fit the business model.

Build your toolbox to success in this business. 

As I mentioned we are relatively new to the area and are currently starting up our business from scratch.

Learning the basics of electrical , plumbing , AC , painting etc will help you in this line of business which also save you a lot when you acquire your first home.This is how I got started , maintaining the rentals of my uncle  when I was your age.