It seems like a huge market to make money.

Just follow the money. 

If you're expecting to lose $250 a month from the get go without calculating all the other costs associated with renting a unit, its going to be a big time loser.Remember, cash flow is always king!

If you are only buying creatively or with private money I hear good things from people who use them.

We don't consider charges/fees as "rent", but our lease does say that any money received by the tenant is applied to those first, and any left over is applied to rent.

They need you to spend money and you try to save...

If I were in your position, I would keep things as simple as possible and focus on building equity to save money for my next property.

My company is always willing to partner with local wholesalers, investors, real estate agents/brokers, private money lenders, etc..        

Despite claims otherwise no money down deal are the rare exception.

The idea that you can build wealth without putting any money into it is a recipe for disaster and the sales pitch of gurus trying to steal your money.