Has anyone done anything creative in the past with a detached garage besides turning to ADU?

Good for you for being creative.

From analyzing deals to exploring creative financing, I’m realizing that success in this business is about persistence, relationships, and constantly improving. 

In 2003, while working in corporate America someone suggested Rich Dad Poor Dad to me.

When I discover I can't build a house on it, I usually move on to the next deal without thinking about an alternative use but I like your creativity and will start thinking about alternative uses!

Let me know what thoughts/reactions you have here, and I will incorporate into my more detailed blog publication coming in a few weeks.

Lastly check out Pace Morby and the creative financing he teaches about.

With your balance sheet and cash, you can put together creative deals without giving up equity and without using your cash but you are going to need to find a market and product which has 7-8% cap rates.I invest in the northeast, Great Lakes area.Diverse economies with education, healthcare as the back bone and tech as growth.In your area, you’ll have to raise way more capital in the form of equity just to meet DSCR with the banks.

Vet potential partners carefully and aim for relationships that can grow with your portfolio.In this higher interest rate environment, focus on cash flow and creative financing options like the HomeStyle rehab loan or seller financing.

That's right, only those willing to compromise.This is also why many so-called "creative financing" deals often involve low-quality properties.