You are correct; I made an assumption that we wouldn't be able to sell through a realtor based on the factors against us.

You should have an opt-out of the contract too, so if there is anything that you are not being represented correctly on you can opt-out of it as well. 

Options ive looked at are the Burrrr method, house hacking with fha living in the property for a year doing small upgrades and forcing appreciation refinance then rent and repeat that every year until we reach our goal.

If that is in your lease, that is probably correct.

Asking in the correct forum will get a better response.Read the RULES!

Post on Craigslist seems like another 'guru' but I cannot put my finger on it, he seems to be following Cherif method, not sure what to make of it.

You´re right, but I think I didn´t make my point correctly.  

Plenty of opportunities if you price your place correctly and you offer better options then local hotels. 

While many gurus glorify the strategies they’re selling through courses or books, methods like out of state investing aren’t easy and can put you in a tough financial spot if you’re not careful.

there are of course more creative strategies to reduce that up front outlay, or recoup your capital, like, say, the BRRRR method. but they are time and energy intensive and certainly not hands-off.