I would assume I cannot place the building itself into an LLC, and if I put the whole property into an LLC that would defeat the purpose, for the most part ...

There often isn't a magic solution that snatches victory from the jaws of defeat. 

As a permanent residence tiny home there are young people building their own, and that demographic is using the lower cost of that construction to try to gain financial freedom just like investors, so renting would defeat that purpose. 

Getting an agent involved defeats the purpose of an off market deal All we do is call the local title company say hey I have a house want to buy The owner wants to sell.

I didn't have any equity when we split up, the divorce left me $18k in the hole, and I was utterly defeated about the situation.

I didn't have any equity when we split up, the divorce left me $18k in the hole, and I was utterly defeated about the situation.

You may be able to get it a little lower with a low ltv (but that defeats the purpose of cash out) and if you have a phenomenal credit score. 

As defeating as it feels, cash for keys is always a good option.

Not by looking at 1 or 2 deals a week.Just my thoughts, I have been doing this for over 20 years and while it can be very frustrating the key is looking at the long term play not the short term defeat.

I was too angry to admit defeat.