Alternatively, I have spent the last decade doing technical work in cybersecurity, and can land a job between $140k-$190k (depending on where in the US). 

Or of any alternative strategies to make this work?

In all the above listed alternative investments, there is seldom any discount pricing and you give up control.

Alternatively, you could split it between House 2 and 3 in a way that covers your building budget for the apartment.

I'm looking for alternatives, I liked LandlordStudio actually but I hate the name, seems so impersonal to the tenants and not in their favor.  

Of you can relocate and house hack, I highly recommend that so you give up less cash upfront.Good job not spending your stack on some bad *** pick em up truck or other nonsense young people would otherwise spend it on! 

I like starting small so maybe a food truck in 10 or so years :)I'm currently looking for investors to do what you did except focusing on commercial residential property in Kansas City.

If you’re considering leveraging hard money lending (HML) for this flip, it could be a strong alternative to traditional financing—especially since HML is quicker to secure and designed for investors aiming to flip properties fast.With HML, you’re typically looking at covering a significant portion of both purchase price and rehab costs, which keeps more of your cash free for other expenses or emergencies.

Alternatively, consider bridge loans, HELOCs, or post-purchase refinancing to preserve liquidity.

My truck for college cost $100.3.