If however the rent gap and difference is very wide then the business owner has to really see the value in the office space as a necessary cost to their business model versus alternatives at cheaper costs.       

Most SoCal folks without hoards of money or hard money backing look out of town or OOS (out of state) for cheaper alternatives.

We're already looking into alternative loans as we've run out of our options with conventional being in the STR game (DTI ratio too high since most don't recognize STR income). 

Alternatively, if you are accredited (not always required, but more opportunities if you are) and have money to invest going into a handful of syndications as an LP is a great way to learn too. 

If they post "all cash" and I am interested, I just float the question about HM as an alternative. 

What would be a good alternative to me owning a BRRR if I am not house hacking?

I'm reading Investors complaining every day regarding MF Syndication.For me, if you're accredited anyway, I prefer Alternative Investment outside RE other than MF Syndication if you're looking for better return.

You could also look into alternative methods to secure financing such as hard money lenders, or seller financing.

Where we are in our business, If we want to grow now rather than later,  and we do, it is for us the best risk alternative; other types of risk, (partners, hard-money (no personal guarantees but higher interest, or more depleted personal cash reserves), are all less attractive to us . 

The alternative is to find a local handyman and use them as your boots on the ground.