If I see several sources (what we'd call in the Navy "corroborating indications") that AZ is a tough market, I have a hard time convincing myself to look at it from a different angle.  

What is the best way to source a private lender (or partner) for a opportunity?

For example, if you are looking to connect with other members near you, want to learn from people in a specific area you’d like to invest in, or have a desire to find people interested in certain topics, you could use the search feature here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/users

The integration with Amazon pickup boxes sounds like a cool feature. 

At the moment I’m sourcing for my 1st multi unit 2-4 thru FHA in the Joliet area.

There are some nice features, like off-street parking and laundry in each unit, that makes them more valuable. 

Stick with 2-4 lead sources.

Hopefully your device has a skip ahead 6-12 minute feature to avoid burn out. 

For example, if you are looking to connect with other members near you, want to learn from people in a specific area you’d like to invest in, or have a desire to find people interested in certain topics, you could use the search feature here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersI really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

helloi'm also learning in this area but i know warm market is a source of private lenders.I havent heard of REI meetups in my area (Zimbabwe) but possibly next door in South Africa.Asking for referrals, from acquaintances also may connect us with likely sources of private moneyI've been thinking the owner of the property may be a source of money to facilitate the deal closing (seller financing at low interest rates), right?