With my last (2 years ago), I had to take an alternative exit strategy to avoid a loss.

Does anybody have any advice on alternatives to resolve or get this fixed before I go all out & call a plumber.

Alternatively, some purchasers want to control the process in return for more certainty.For a non-delegated correspondent loan, the loan purchaser will get involved and direct all processing decisions.

I would look at wisp as an alternative comparison when talking to realtors. 

If anyone found an alternative that you're happy with, I'd really love to hear about it!

Alternatively, there are high-yield online savings accounts like Marcus or others - the difference is that banks have some inherent risk, thus the FDIC insurance. 

Am I approaching this the right way, or am I missing a better alternative?

Denver Creative Housing, Denver Sublets, Roomies, Roommates, and so on, there are a few good ones)Also, I use Roomies as well because it is a site specific to finding roommate tenants, and there is a huge demand for it as well, so it is a great alternative to fill vacancies for houses if your owners are open to it and you price it correctly. 

The alternative I had pursued the last two years was hard money lending.

If DTI is a problem for a new investment property loan but you have everything else (credit, downpayment, etc), then DSCR loans are probably an excellent alternative.