Portfolio means that the lender will hold the loan on their books and it will not be sold off to the secondary market (Wall Street as MBS or Mortgage Backed Securities).

My goal is to secure my first Wholesale deal in the next 60 days, then another within 30-45 days, use the earned fees to purchase a duplex then cash out refi the duplex to purchase a 3-4 unit.

If he is a limited partner, you have created a security and need to set up a PPM. 

I know there is FHA available, but I'm not confident I could secure a deal that's in my price range with FHA financing in the current market. 

More than the security deposit, and far more than would be recovered by small claims court.

Creative ways to secure a deal without upping bid price?

I am looking at one that is pretty modern and has 24 hr automated security and gate etc.

I assume he's planning on paying cash, because no bank or automotive company who finances or leases the car to him is going to approve its use in this purpose since the vehicle is secured asset collateral for the loan. 

I can't think of a way for him to still leverage the 1031 exchange on the sale of Property B while doing seller financing (or otherwise me securing financing for the 2nd property with the limited available cash)My question is:Anyone have any unique or creative solutions for how to acquire both properties with the cash I have?

However, the seller knowing my specialty, countered asking me for a proposal with more upside for the seller or to do a rental arbitrage.My initial offer was a 5% upfront cash payment, 15 year repayment plan at 4% interest and attempt to refinance within 7 years to repay the seller in full and secure more traditional financing.