Alternatively, the downpayment may be "gifted" to you by a third-party (typically a family member).Seller/Vendor financing is essentially when the Vendor becomes the bank and takes-back a mortgage following the sale of the property.  

Most homeowners will consider a lease option as an alternate to a traditional sale. 

@Sat Ram Fresno is a great alternative to OOS investing.

There are lots of alternatives for income.

Looking for alternative interest-bearing accounts investors use for security deposits other than a savings account.

Which would be taxable event, plus penalties if you pull distribution prior to normal retirement age.Much better alternative is to invest inside of your self-directed Roth IRA, focus on maximizing the returns and then enjoy tax-free income after 59 1/2. 

Black Diamond holds meetings in Worcester so you should have some luck attending those, they alternate with Waltham.

(I excluded these options because I am currently reading and listening to the BiggerPockets podcast, so I would like alternative options) I am super driven and I have a passion for learning about new things, and this topic is something I would love to pursue as a career.

Additional paperwork and hassle Takes money to set up, maintain, and to file taxes (around $2,000)Alternatives to an LLCInsurance – get enough and talk to an insurance agent and tell them your fearsLeverage – if you have a LOT of leverage in the deal, the other lawyer won't want to come after you (no money) You can always set up an LLC later when you start to build real wealth!

A lot of folks are finding that these are perfectly acceptable alternatives given that returns are getting compressed in a lot of areas like yours.