Also looking into the possibility of providing private lending.

Thank you in advance for your time and any help or tips you can provide.

My goal is to come up with a way to avoid interest payments as a buyer and/or a seller while still providing or receiving financing.

Network and try to find a mentor in these groups or wherever you can to help guide you through this industry.But if your market doesn't provide the cash flow you're lookng for I would check out single family and duplexes in Cleveland, OH that can produce strong cash flow such as 44102, 44109, 44111, and 44135.Go into Zillow under rents and look at days listed and contacts.

Army, attracting a steady influx of PHD education people.Houston, TX: Houston's diverse economy spanning oil (used to be just this), healthcare, and technology provides a robust job market that supports housing demand.

I would understand that if he was just representing me as the buyer's agent and not owning it 50/50 with me, he would be able to take 100% of that commission for himself, for providing that service.

Would be happy to connect and see if we can provide some value to each other and mastermind.Best of luck to you!

The funds will come out of my retirement account.

You can redirect some of your profits into a retirement account, but then you cannot spend this money or reinvest it into your next deal. 

They had the money in my bank account in a few days typical ACH time frame it seemed.