I have been to mechanics school,Welding school,cut meat for 35 years, ran heavy equipment, been an over the road truck driver and owned a butcher shop.  

One alternative that MAY work is to flip the property –i.e., taking title.

One alternative that MAY work is to flip the property –i.e., taking title.

Here are some Alternative Financing and Formulas you may like to read:https://www.biggerpockets.com/search?

I still don't know what to call the alternative, the one where title is transferred.

I'm fairly new in real estate and I'm trying to come up with alternative methods that won't break my pockets before I make a significant amount of money.I like the "asking if they know of any properties for sale" it seems much less intimidating. 

Plus I had to jump in and spend a few days/nights in the trenches when plumbers and electricians had broke truck syndrome.

If the house appears to have issues and can't be lived in the way it is, traditional lenders won't touch it, but some alternative lenders still might.

I was wondering if it was legal and ethical to reach out to the owner or visit them at their alternate address to try to make a deal with them in advance.  

Seller financing can be a great alternative.