I    have a good amount of cash and have access to quite a bit more, yet that isn't enough, even with proof of funds.

- How do you plan to fund your 1st deal?

The answer is, whatever you put down as a down payment.This isn't your personal residence, where you are the source of the funds for the DP and the mortgage. 

I am born and raised in the area as well as my partner.

Get closing costs funded or something similar less money out the buyers pocket.... since they're having cash flow issues.

If you stop 401k contributions you can raise that 25% down payment faster and without a 10% penalty.

Inflation has been surging a bit for past 2-3 months which is a bit concern given that fed is aggressively raising the rate.

Both of these loan programs can get you into a home with as little as 3% down, which would give you some additional capital/reserves for improvements after purchase, or a larger contingency/emergency fund, or a good place to start on your next home. 

Read Bigger Pockets’ Finding and Funding Deals by Anson Young.There are many ways like pulling lists from Listsource.com or Driving For Dollars 😉

Are there any fee associate with transferring funds between your banks?