If you can secure a lease option it MIGHT be valuable, but will require significant due diligence by a solar developer (available capacity, environmental due diligence, location to substation, 3 phase power lines etc.).

VA loans typically require no down payment and have competitive interest rates.

No self employment required.  

Only the first option requires a new deed.However, for a note, a more common way is to give him a mortgage to secure the note, and you'd record the mortgage at the court house.

Of course, talk to your lender as they will know with certainty what that time requirement is.

It's been great in years past, however, due to saturation and stricter registration/compliance requirements, bookings have really dried up here and many are converting to longer-term rentals. 

For example in and around DC some jurisdictions charge insane fees for new builds ($40k school impact fee) and have very challenging code requirements (sprinkler systems in homes..)Anything crazy like that?

It takes time and requires work.  

Those markets are higher priced and require a lot of capital. 

Blanket Additional Insured - It is an endorsement that normally gives Additional Insured status if it is required in a written contract2.