I have an area and investment strategy in mind but when I went to get pre-approval for a loan I hit a wall - the local lender I approached told me that my DTI is too high.

I've got some properties that are FSBO but I'm not entirely sure HOW to approach the seller.. 

I suggest that you approach a few small local banks.  

I don't have much experience in real estate, I do have experience in selling and closing deals not related to this business and what brought me to Bigger Pockets was by listening to a podcast about real estate investing by husband who has experience in flipping houses, wholesale and buy and hold.

I will be approaching the landlord of my current property with an offer, but I want to have finance sorted first.I am looking at taking a 30 year mortgage and will be putting at 20% deposit.Any banks or brokers that would work with some foreign rental income?

Definitely a creative approach, and sounds like it's going to play out well.

isn't working for me....I do belong to a local group and have not approached anyone that I know of about this in particular.

However, if I do move into first place, I'm going to totally rethink how I'll approach negotiations.

This brought me to begin networking in the local real estate community as of late and to make an introduction on the forum now.I realized a unique position I have as a Realtor who is captivated by the world of investing.

I have bought multi family buildings and whenever I approach my lender about seller financing the answer is always "Can't do it.