Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

Or with alternative options?

It is normally the real estate that attracts the nuisance tenants which leads some to resort to section 8 believing its a cure all which is the furthest from reality.  

In neighborhoods that won't attract high credit score tenants, I've found that a stable job history with a MINIMUM of 1 year at current or previous job to be the best indicator of a great tenant. 

It kind of seems like you are looking to call their bluff but that only works if they are raising rents above market and you have an alternative. 

Are there other, more cost-effective alternatives to gain similar support and knowledge?

A study recently completed showed that most squatters are attracted to two properties: vacant and those listed for rent stating 'for immediate occupancy' or vacant. 

This my friends on BP is just the reality of Real Estate you have two basic methods One mom and pop keep their day jobs and start buying long term hold rentals as they can afford them and if they like it they keep at it..Two you jump in the game and try to make money transactionally IE RE Broker  Flipper Wholesaler MLO  leasing agent etc etc.. this also is a long term ramp.. what the Guru programs attract generally speaking is those that get excited think they can somehow buy a program ( any program pick one) and its going to jump start them to this mythical financial freedom everyone talks about..

Quote from @Miguel Del Mazo: Quote from @Jonathan Greene: Quote from @Miguel Del Mazo: We have 3 2/1 condos in our portfolio that attract traveling professionals (medical or otherwise) and a triplex that we essentially BRRR'd down to the studs.

-- We focus on verifying 2-year work history and verifying rent payments with last 2 landlords (unless in same property for 5+ years).3) MoveIn Specials: be careful with offering "free rent" as will just attract tenants with no cash.-- Try free TV or something else worth 25-50% of one month of rent.-- Or, what we do is offer the free rent AFTER & ONLY if they pay their first 3 months of rent on time to earn it.4) Lower the rent 5% every 2-4 weeks until activity picks up.5) Understand this is the worst time of year to find tenants.-- Starts picking back up end of February when this tenant pool starts getting their income tax refunds and aren't broke anymore.6) Section 8: where is the property being advertised?