I think when you take what seems like easy money (debt) off the table or at least not the first response it makes you much more creative and requires you to dig in and think a lot more looking for win/win opportunities.  

I hold a degree in Electronics Engineering and another in English/Creative Writing.I also am suffering from a traumatic brain injury that I incurred while on active duty (Vietnam) that, while not affecting my intellectual abilities, causes minor judgmental problems at times.

With creative financing and a seller with the proper motivations you could buy a property for 20k, 10k or nothing down at all and wind up only paying money to the seller after you've flipped the property for a profit,  or refinance based on an appraisal after you've done forced appreciation.

If it is not close discuss creative solutions.  

We started being more creative anyone in our team with a car and a notepad that sees a house for sale sign and looks like a shack, we write numbers down, or any for rent signs (basic real estate alway's beats newer real estate, you GOTTA WANT IT)Also, keep in mind that South Florida market is hotter and we have bubble that will be popping soon.

We're looking to minimize closing costs by making cash offers or getting creative with financing on non-MLS listed properties.

I have set my mind on it and wake up everyday thinking how i can creatively come up with more capital to see my goals come to reality. 

As most NYers agree - it's one of (if not the) best places on earth (certainly in the US) because we have incredible diversity, openness, creativity, access, architecture, history, culture, opportunity, transportation etc..  

Here's the podcast:http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/04/10/bp-podcast-065-creative-investing-wendell-de-guzman/Also, you can learn a lot by following my weekly business update where I share with BP Nation what's going on with my real estate business.

Good luck saving for you next investment, however, if you understand creative financing you could be controlling real estate now without the need for saving for a down payment.