Seller financing & subject to strategy?

[Diana Serban]

I'm trying to grow my portfolio but don't have any money for a down payment nor the ability to get a mortgage since I'm self employed. I have a few questions about seller financing and/or subject to in Canada. 

1. Would it be beneficial to get a real estate agent involved in this?

2. Can I look at the MLS for OK deals or would it be better to go off market?

3. Would paying the purchase price (or a bit under) be fine, or should I negotiate it to something a lot lower?

4. If the deal is off market, would birddogs be a good idea? I don't know any in the Montreal area however.

5. If I end up paying a small down payment to the seller and renovation costs, could I use a loan from a private lender or would that set me back by a lot? I could find a partner too but it would take me longer than I'd like to. 

6. What are the exit strategies here? I'm assuming I can't refinance if I use creative financing, so how do I pay back the private lender loan fast if I use that path?

7. How much interest should I pay the seller on a seller financing?

8. I also want to confirm that there are usually little to no closing conditions if I use creative financing. I might be able to still inspect the property, but that's pretty much it. 

Thank you for your help! If there's any ideas or issues you can think of, I'd love to hear them as well