For a rational player to buy a home, it must be superior to other alternatives. 

Alternatively, you could offer to pay for an easement for the stair case from the neighbor.

Alternatively, can you find a cosigner to help you make it work while you're establishing yourself and making the move from "unemployed" to "self-employed"?

I understand the Biggerpockets push and those are very useful but an alternative you can check out too (don't shoot the messenger) iswww.houseflippingspreadsheet.c...Again just providing options, please don't ban me!

https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/managing-rental-properties-physicalThat book is an unbelievable reference. 

Also anyone know whats the alternative for skip tracing in Canada, how do i get the owners info?

This is a very profitable way to operate in the context of the Bay Area where there is a severe housing shortage and people have few alternatives.

Thank you.The question was brought up because I'm looking to be more efficient.I'm looking for an alternative to driving for dollars and a partnership seems like the best way to go.Attorneys for divorce and probate could be problematic.

Otherwise, you need short term financing through an alternative financing source.  

There were so many foreclosures to buy it was unbelievable.