Nearly half said it’s because homes are too expensive or they can’t afford to the down payment.

They can hook you up with these contacts, making your real estate journey smoother.Since you're looking to cash flow, I'd suggest you take a closer look at Cleveland's Section 8 market, its known for reliable government-backed payments and high tenant demand.

How much of that is for the down payment?

In 2023, my interest in real estate began to grow and led me to putting time aside to learn about the brrr method.

Any advice on navigating potential challenges or risks associated with alternative funding methods?

In my experience you will be able to get a better deal from a mom and pop landlord with under market rents and if you can get in there and improve the rents and leases and make minor improvements assuming interest rates go down in the coming years the value will go up as the monthly payment goes down increasing the value of the property and then i might trade up into a larger building with the equity from the sale.

I'm really interested in in the Furnished Finders MTR for traveling professionals however, I'm hung up on the contracts and payment collection process. 

There are very low down payment options with seller financing and sub-to deals.

Which I own with partners. https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1321-Kari-Lee-Ct-Las-Vegas-N...Is a 5plex, bought for 710k, 30% down with a DSCR loan with interest only, means 213k down payment + 5k closing cost.NOI is around 40.5k.

You're absolutely correct, it's best to pair with the BRRRR method so you can pay all or most of it back after a refi.If not, you're just dumping 25% down on properties and having to service a line of credit at a higher interest rate.