However, the ex wife name remains on the loan itself.

Hey @Mike Levene, I'd recommend considering a Margin Loan against your stock portfolio.

To qualify for non-recourse commercial loans through Fanny and Freddy you have to have equal new worth to the loan amount and 10% liquidity. 

We are talking to my father and my sister to see if they would be amenable to transferring the deed into my name to facilitate the loan.

House hacking a 2-4 unit property with FHA (3.5% down) or Conventional (5% down) can be a smart way to start, while DSCR loans or partnerships can help if you need alternative financing.

I see little benefit in the FHA as an option as long as the 5% conventional loans are available now.  

It’s because having cash available doesn’t not necessarily mean the borrower has the credit CAPACITY to obtain a loan.  

Conventional loan What was the outcome?

There are DSCR lenders will allow only a single 20 or 25% owner of an LLC to sign a Personal Guarantee (other owners are not on the loan, or liable for the loan).

I'm guessing an investor who could afford an $800K house wouldn't have trouble getting a loan, but maybe they would like being able to make a small or 0 downpayment.