If you are a professional, i.e. you already own a couple successful STRs, you are dialed in on management, software, cleaning etc, you are knowledgeable and participate in forums like BP and take it serious, we are aggressive on lending and will do these loans all day to help people scale fast. 

I heard on the news this morning that Tesla is actively recruiting high school students to work at Tesla and to participate in a manufacturing program at Austin community college.

Then make sure to participate in the forums and learn from others whenever possible. 

I would proceed without the sellers participation if the numbers work.  

Maximum effort was put toward enhancing the aesthetic to a standard comparable to what was What was the outcome?

and if not,  how can I get investors to participate in a deal that I am not in contract for?

Using the resources and wisdom of Bigger Pockets has enhanced my knowledge and my drive for Financial Freedom.

If I were an individual investor satisfied with a return in the high single digits, I believe I could find those investments from numerous note brokers, some of the best of whom participate right here in this forum.

@Mason Haley As long as you and your wife do not have REP status AND you materially participate in the real estate business, you can only deduct up to $25,000 in passive losses against your W2 income.

I can participate in all the cash-only discount sales (foreclosures, tax deed auctions, estate sales, ugly houses, etc) which imo will soon lean very heavy to buyers market.