But missing out on some levered real estate appreciation I guess.

The area as a whole is actually very affordable compared to other areas.

You can vet them here by checking out the references on their profile page and actually talk directly to folks who have worked with them. 

Got to be careful and really clear here - its not an unreasonable ask - but its a totally different request (and will be challenging) to be requesting capital investment from a partner with zero actual monetary "skin in the game"

I'm actually looking at a third option of cash out refi the home, the partner with someone with the cash in my next investment. 

@Nathan Gesner is absolutely correct, but knowing what to do and actually doing it and doing it right are usually not all done together.

@Ell Jay Lindsey going to guess that you are referring to Class A properties?

In this case, my agent is actually the seller. 

My guess is that is more difficult to do in many other markets. 3) There is a lot of money here looking for a home (figuratively speaking). 

@Marian Smith good point I guess I’ll have to invest in a stock pile of felt pads but my LVP in my current house seems to be holding up to scratching pretty well but it could just be the color that’s hiding it lol.