Establish an emergency fund and target stable long-term rentals or short-term rentals in markets you understand.House hacking or private lending can offer alternative entry points depending on your risk tolerance and hands-on involvement.

Hey @Jordan Northrup check out Buildium, it may be a decent alternative and fit the bill for what you're looking for.

Wagner - you have offered alternative on the 2 properties I had with you which i waited for 2 years and now it is almost another year and there has been no updates from your side or any help to expedite.

That said, there are alternative ways to meet the requirements, and with proper planning, you might not need to rely on these specific tests if most or all of the participation comes from you during the first year.

Each individual owner can have their own Deferred Sales Trust:, the assets of which can be managed to each taxpayer’s own individual risk tolerance and preferences. 4) A 1031 Exchange alternative or rescue- Unlike a 1031 Exchange, the proceeds from the sale do not have to be invested in “like-kind” property in a very short timeframe to achieve tax deferral.

Most alternative investments work just like pretty much all RE niches work when deployed effectively.   

I only allow tenants to pay on the 1st of the month but I would consider alternate payment schedules dependent on the situation and tenant if they asked.

Alternative rent models (STR, MTR, rent by room, etc.) do not necessarily do better and are more work.  

An alternative could be putting all your properties under one LLC to start, then reassessing as your portfolio grows.

In the alternative, everything seemingly goes well, he has lied on his application (very dumb move) which you don't control and down the road a year or two you get a "knock, knock" on the door from some very stern men who want to talk to you about the transaction.