So I have been exploring different ideas and options to moving forward, this idea being one of them.

Are there any other options I could explore or do I just need to raise more money for my first deal?

Expertise rather than locality will be a key factor you wish to evaluate when exploring the field. 

Assuming that’s not in a high cost area, house-hacking while working and knocking out your associates might be another route worth exploring.This would give you an opportunity to explore both college and REI before doubling down on one or the other.If you can suffer the cold, Cornell has a great real estate program, is transfer student friendly, and offers solid financial aid.

A few things that may be helpful to you here on the Bigger Pockets website as you search for a team to support your first buy:You can set up keyword alerts so anytime someone posts about Charlotte (or the specific neighborhoods you're exploring), you'll be notified.

After exploring several different markets and evaluating what felt like hundreds of deals, I made offers on two different multi-family units.

In general, the reasons for a seller offering seller financing I think are unique, and that means that the negotiations I think leave a decent amount to explore.  

Great advice from everyone above - I wanted to add that if you know you want to explore a sale prior to the 10 year period, you may be able to negotiate a different term, like a 5 + 5 or 7 + 3. 

That is also why exploring other methods of obtaining properties can become necessary like finding off market deals, for sale by owner, distressed properties, etc. etc. 

Have you explored private financing at all yet?