A private loan or rich uncle is another example.The alternative with a mortgage is that you have to BRRRR sequentially, not in parallel. 

In the few times I've looked into it before, the single apartments I saw (via a broker) were not profitable after tax.Any specific questions?

Seller financing, lease options, or partnerships are alternative routes that might be suitable for your specific circumstances.Establish relationships with local real estate professionals such as agents, lenders, and contractors.

I invested in the Bay Area for 30 years-specifically San Mateo and Los Gatos.

I'm monitoring the rental situation on Zillow, specifically in my focus zipcodes.

And then they come back when the cheaper alternative ends up costing them in ways they didn't see.

It may be beneficial to consult with a contractor and real estate professional to assess the best option for your specific situation.

I struggle with very non-specific rules about what the REIT can invest in. 

They have a blacklist which they're going to make public later this year but in the meantime a good mortgage broker can advise you on the specific buildings. 

Feel free to connect with specific questions.