Marketing it as an MTR might be a good alternative so long as Sacramento doesn't also regulate MTRs.

Just looking for alternatives.  

I am really trying to find a route alternative to that under the impression that loans are not assumable on average.

You can use alternate financing (assumed loan, sub-to, owner financed, etc).  

Parked his truck on the side of the road, was on foot when he was shot in the back by a 15 yr old gangster with a lengthy rap sheet.

An alternative if you wanted to keep it rent neutral would be to stipulate payments on the 1st and 15th of the month, which would give you an even 24 payments over the year. 

Alternatively, would it be better to continue purchasing new homes with each move (approximately every 3 years) to gradually build my portfolio?

Again, assuming this transaction is in CA.Here's some initial reading for you, which may help:Civil Code § 2945.4 CC - Foreclosure Consultant Violations (shouselaw.com)************************Alternative options may be to purchase the 1st TD and do the foreclosure yourselves, or gather the cash and buy it at the trustee sale. 

An alternative is to get more involved in your local REIA and take a heavy-hitter out to a very good lunch.

I enjoy washing my car and truck and like the convivence of doing a quick vacuum on my floor mats.