Partnering with others and having them bring in the capital could be another option.

There might be cash flowing options for you that are less hassle than multifamily. 

@william @William R Bebout Jr happy to help you look at your options here.

The recorder's office line has 5 different options so each time I called I pressed the next option sequentially leaving the same voice mail - what's the procedure for receiving the title deed and of course my contact details

We have two options with financing:20% cash down.

Also check out assumable loans, that might still be a good option in east and west side to get into something newer and with lower rates without shelling out too much cash.

However, this would require you to illegally possess the home for 21 years, then try to lay claim to it.Your best option is to speak with an attorney to see if there are any other options.

Overall it seems pretty good, but I am curious about other similar options. 

I'm not sure that I want to increase the number of properties I own (which you said would increase my chances of return), so I was wondering what my options were.

Cheap/low cost isn't always a good option.