The alternative is to pay for education.

Alternatively, you can talk to a realtor/post an ad on Craigslist, etc to gauge market demand for your property.

Many mistakes are found and refunded all the tone from the Utility as well as alternative third part suppliers Water is far worse.

I have mixed feelings about them as do many seattlites,  but generally speaking they are more organized and better managed than the currently available alternative  (tents,  broken down RV or cars,  or piles of cardboard)   ---   I'd trade a larger tiny house village  for an equal reduction in the number of "unsanctioned" campers in an equal radius of my home  (and investments)  any day.That said,   I do disagree with the "low barrier" ones (which allow drug use/etc). 

If you can't put that money to work for you at a much higher rate of return, paying down the mortgage might be a good alternative.

Yet no one seems interested in exploring those alternatives that would seem to less work or equipment, thus lower cost.

Self-directed custodian will allow alternative investment options such as real estate, but they will be holding your IRA assets and paying all expenses related to the investment following your directions. 

https://www.bbb.org/dayton/business-reviews/apartments/claypool-apartments-in-dayton-oh-90005496 Note the alternate business name is Pinnacle.

Alternatively, you can try to get a private money loan or ask the seller to finance a portion to reduce the down payment, but typically equity is the preferred method when you need funds for a down payment.

Also, my tenants have found cheaper alternatives to renters insurance and have not used their services either.