In addition to bringing to the table my years of experience as a restoration construction expert, I have a sizeable amount of liquidity.

They just had another cash offer on the table but seller declined the low amount.  

Since I am new I do not have a large pot of cash to use, so I am limited by partners and hard money terms.I am aware that if you can find a deal the cash partners will come, but how do you get a list of cash partners to reach out to when the deal is hot on the table and there really is not time to go solicit partnership before the deal is gone?

Buy artwork on eBay for a few dollars and I make the frames myself from lumber and a table saw. 

We're diversifying a bit with more flips, but also been dabbling in producing our own mill work (flooring, stairs, counters, etc) that we think will be another way to bring value to the table over time (and perhaps income as well).We have a great relationship with a local bank where we have I think 5 mortgages, a commercial line of credit - etc: and they've been transparent in letting us know debt to income level threshholds to continue lending. 

I think that if you were to get a pretty good contract on the table with a realistic offer, you are in the game!  

Maybe it be lapsed, or he is an independent contractor and exempt, or maybe you sub is using under-the-table labor.

Brilliant insight Dave, the market and on D politician who is an investor that is, not the table top dancing, lol. 

Does the person have to first lay their money at the closing table or do they send their money to you?

I've never run into a bank that required me to have money when receiving a cash out refi unless I had to bring money to the table, as in a normal purchase.