And even if you did, it would only happen if they need to raise money, so it would be very difficult to pull off with the timing.So what remains are some of the second-tier sites, which haven't attracted venture funding for one reason or another, but hopefully have something unique or compelling that you feel makes them more worthy of an investment.

I borrowed money from relatives.I financed houses 90% to 97% with first mortgages.I borrowed second mortgages.I borrowed on unsecured lines of credit/signature loans.I got a partner to put up the cash, because I had none.I borrowed on credit cards (I do not recommend this).The first 11 properties that I bought were all essentially 100% financed.I talks some more about this in the bigger Pockets Podcast #82 give it a listen.Merry Christmas, I just gave you 10 gifts above.

I don't want to spend 40 - 60 hours a week away from my family, while my wife does the same, and others raise our kids.

I will be able to raise any down payment, and I have a great understanding of how to analyze a self storage deal, as my family owns a few of them.My question is, what is the best way to get competitive financing, without a balloon payment?  

my only issue would be that a 6k+ beast would be a major gas guzzler.The Section 179 deduction was raised to $500,000.

Bring business cards.

In my career so far, I've bought and sold several businesses, and raised circa $80 million for both privately-owned and publicly-listed companies.For years I've been passively involved in Real Estate, renting out a property for decent cash flow, and continuing to educate myself for the "big push" into REI.

Credit Cards seems to be a big one, and yes they do work and I have used them to purchase one home. 

Dear BP - I was recently discussing my real estate goals with family over the holiday and another form of raising private money came up.

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas.