At one point I wanted to see if truck driving was for me.

Don't give up on looking for alternatives. 

And if you have not stripped out the equity, this is a viable alternative for you.  

Another alternative is to notice a bumper sticker, boat, car, or something else out front that you are knowledgable about and can strike up a conversation around.

Should I be pursuing financing from major banks, smaller banks and credit unions, or more alternative forms.

For new investors wondering where to invest, and for those hesitant to purchase a property and deal with tenants, flipping problems, etc then making mortgages or buying 1st position notes is an alternative that should be considered.In 2012, I started doing mortgages.

My favorite is the Black Diamond meeting in Waltham (alternates every other month with their Worcester location, next Waltham meeting is May).

The alternative is that an annual power wash with a high pressure sprayer will keep them looking good.

In the alternative, the seller can record a "Memorandum of Option Contract," which must contain the names of the parties, the signature of the parties, a description of the property, the time during which the option must be exercised, and a statement that the purchaser has the right to cure a default once every twelve months.The option contract itself must contain:1) full names and address of all parties to the contract;2) the date the contract was signed by each party;3) a legal description of the property to be conveyed subject to the option;4) the sales price of the property;5) all fees or payments paid by each of the parties including the option fee;6) all duties whose breach will result in forfeiture of the option;7) the time period during which the option may be exercised;8) a statement of the rights of the purchaser, including the right to cure a default once during each 12 month period; and9) a statement in at least 14 point boldface directly above the purchaser’s signature, that the purchaser has the right to cancel the option any time prior to midnight of the third business day following the signing of the option.What happens if the purchaser defaults?

An investor friendly REALTOR that uses former mortgage loan officer experience to help others with alternative financing strategies, I would be happy to grab a cup with you and brainstorm.