Yes, contract for deed is a good alternative -- but not in Texas. 

An insurance policy is a possible alternative if you or the prospects can find one.

Alternatively, you can check that one, it's also free to use:https://www.realestatespreadsheets.com/online-airbnb-estimat... 

I think the best alternative out there is Hostaway but will need inputs from other members in this forum and see how is Hostaway working out. 

Any advice or alternative recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

If this is a qualified retirement account (tsp’s are) then you can transfer/roll this into an SDIRA or solo 401k and as long as the custodian allows for alternative asset investing you can invest in real estate or just about whatever you want.  

I'm looking for alternatives as they've been increasing the price and I'm paying close to 70 bucks a month on the software. 

A few additional context that may make this a bit more complicated:- ideally the 1031 exchange that I do will then add my wife to the picture with the trust that we have established (however it's easier to do)- the property was previously used as our primary property, but is now a rental property for at least 4-5 years- an alternative is the sibling is open to gift annually up to the gift limit so that we own the property outright prior to the exchange, but that will take quite a few more yearsThank you!

In my case, the QTA or Tax Title Services wouldn't work and so we're looking for an alternative like John suggested above.

Example: once I had a neighbor that was continually blocking the driveway of my rental property with his truck, as the driveways were conjoined.