@Mike M.Sounds like a good day to buy some index funds.

Do lenders allow us to use their funds without charging us?

Working to purchase my first property and I have a few questions ...Do I need to have funding/financing secured before I make on offer?

All the money was funded at the time that I bought the property.

If you want to eventually live in it, the current income becomes less important, but seems like you can get to 1% if you do some repairs and raise the rent.If this is a buy and hold, the long term desirability of the neighborhood and big picture changes (is this neighborhood gradually getting better, or gradually getting worse?)

Where should we look for initial start up funds for marketing.

We have had success with the debt-reduction aspect of Dave Ramsey; we personally have gotten "gazelle intense" in paying off debt, and saving up everything...bonuses, tax returns, birthday presents, bought older cars, etc. in a quest for down payment funds. 

The last few years the only way a seller will accept an offer was loan funding contingency in this area.

You will have to hire a securities attorney to work with and guide you through the legal structure as well as the legalities of the capital raise.Bottom line, it's totally possible to raise the funds, but you need to have the right structure in place and a track record to support it.

"Proof of Funds w/ Cash offer or PreApproval Letter from Lender based on satisfactory credit, Income & Assets) Contact Listing Agt for Appt.