Looking for deal financing...Conventinal, Hard Money, Partner???

[Lucas Shelton]

My wife and I are looking for our 3rd deal and are having a lending discussion.  Our past two deals have been through conventional lending and are now looking at other options as we are wanting to increase our purchase price.  Our issue is the down payment, as we have enough to stay in the range that we have been investing in ($50k - $80k) but, there is very little in that range right now where we live that turns a decent profit.  Is hard money lending or teaming up with a partner to help with the financing a good route for us to pursue?  I feel it is, but my wife is skeptical/concerned about borrowing from a hard money lender or someone we don't know in order to make a deal happen.  

Any suggestions or help would be great as there are some good looking opportunities here in town that are currently just out of our price range.  

Thanks, 

Lucas