If you don't have a ton of cash sitting around, you have to be creative with it and leverage different options...

To be honest, unless you plan to put a large amount down or do a creative rental, MFR in OC are very expensive and have negative cash flow.

Be creative.

@Paul Sandhu You forgot to mention they also have at least one comedic writer. 

Most I think get to know those with liquidity that have become lenders - other people's money OPM - as a source for their flipping projects.There is also the regular route of banks as lenders - I've read a few that have utilized this method through some creative financing.OPM also comes by way of them utilizing their HELOC or Self-directed for lending. 

What are the creative methods to structure these deals?

I remember after taking a calculator creative financing class from Bill Tan many moons ago, his quote/advise to me was: when negotiating with seller, offer "your price my terms or my price your terms" when your ready to write your contract.

I’m aware that there are other methods of creative financing (bringing in a partner, seller financing, etc) but I’d like to avoid complicating things with a partner if possible since I am able to afford the down payment and would like to manage the property myself.

I feel like creative financing is my best bet but not entirely sure how I can articulate it so the deal makes sense to the seller...

If open to being creative a bit you can really win big with equity and finding properties that cash flow.