I'm aware of other funding methods but I'm not sure I feel quite comfortable with other funding methods so I'm thinking we'll go with a conventional loan. 

, I highly recommend the previously referenced strategy, use your equity and purchase some investment properties using the BRRRR method!

As long as I continue to work at my current company until March 1st, 2019 when my company pension benefit will be mostly maxed out.1) 401K @ 6% nominal, 2.91% real in year 2035 would be ~ 1 Million nominal, 600K real.2) HSA with same returns as above but at 65 years old would be 25K nominal, 13K real.3) Pension schedule If I work at my current place of employment until March 1st, 2019 tentatively as follows - start withdrawals at age:a) 50 ~ $959.00  b) 55 ~ $1,316.00c) 60 ~  $1,880.00This would be a fixed index annuity, not inflation adjusted.  

How successful have you all been using the driving for dollars method?

We initially felt like flips would be our best move but after doing more research, the BRRRR method seems like a better deal.

Taxes are reasonable, and two significant employers are in the city(Pfizer and Electric Boat).

Then, I would follow the debt snowball paydown method of paying off each property starting with the duplex with the highest interest rate by applying cash flow from all savings towards that duplex until it is paid off.

In such a small sub-market I would first try to address concerns involving demographics, employment, and supply. 

I'm interested primarily in creative real estate methods to start (low/no money down, partnerships, subject-to, etc.), as I do not have much available capital. 

Thomas, I get your goal of wanting to be creative to increase your equity, however, all the responses point to your method as being potentially problematic.