To utilize this strategy most effectively, use an entity, an LLC partnership is recommended for rental properties.If you are looking at projects requiring rehab, you can take private money loans at set interest rates (similar to a HML) use their funds to rehab the project, then refinance and cash them out.

My wife and I were planning on funding an emergency fund to cover unexpected maintenance and vacancies, but were hoping to keep that money and finance the property with a 100% or 95% loan.

Which is a RE based mutual fund.

But you better have a killer postcard and even better sales pitch if you are going to go door to door..and a lot of time on your hands :) Because once they are posted they are going to get bombarded with flyers and phone calls.You don't always have to have cash...but you do need proof of funds.

Our notarized contract stated that these funds were to be used as payment for a specific apartment complex.

Would banks accept that as proof of funds?

I got the point on the flying analogy.......It makes sense....BUTAnytime someone says but it means they don't agree......in this case I agree but have something to add.............BUTIf you do not know how to fly you can still get in an airplane and go from point A to BYou just need an experienced PilotIf you do not know Find Someone who does........Find a way to enlist their knowledgePay them if it neccessaryBut get the knowledge.Most people could learn to fly in a single hour of instruction.Landing may take only 10 hours the min requirement to solo40 hours min to be certified.Cost 5 to 7 K $Of course your learning to fly shouldn't end there....Flying is easyTaking off a bit harderLanding the hardestInvesting First DealDifficult to get off the ground easy once you have a property to hold or rehab....like flyingLanding.....the most difficult ....getting out of the deal with a profit.In Investing As In FlyingYou should plan your trip before you leave the ground.Inspect the vehicle to be sure nothing is wrong with it.File your flight plan (business plan)Be sure you have enough fuel (funds) to reach your destination with some reserves.Be ready to abort your landing if it dosen't look right....

Also this will give you a bit more time to save up funds to give you more options down the road as well as have some cushion for any expenses you didn't plan for.

Let us know a little more about your background and maybe some of your successes.Here's wishing you success in finding the funding you seek and I hope you'll be able to share some of your real estate expertise with the rest of us.

While this last practice may seem overly challenging or even burdensome, it is a sales technique that will always be available to the motivated entrepreneur and that has withstood the test of time while getting many new and under funded business ventures on their feet.Your appearance when meeting the prospect plays an important role in creating the right impression and achieving a positive influence, but not in the way that many people think.