In regards to your concerns, you should put together an MOU regarding the terms of your agreement with performance clauses protecting both parties, and eventually lead to a JV agreement.There are several other methods to protect yourself as well as the owner/seller, however, too lengthy to write about.Don't be too greedy, otherwise it will limit your relationships and longevity. 

This method or tool will allow us to place a resident in the property who for whatever reason can't qualify for traditional financing yet, but would like to enjoy ALL the Rights of Ownership yet avoid all the inherent dangers of Seller Financing Schemes such as Sub-to, CFD, AITD, Lease Purchase, Lease Options, etc.

What are some creative financing methods to buy this property?

This may an option for you and may be worth exploring.

Most of the conventional methods of rental shopping yielded nothing in my price range.

Some people prefer to communicate in more passive methods so for that it could help, it would depend I guess on if your website is good or not to me. 

I had one tenant a few years ago whose employer used that verification method, and I told the tenant they had to pay for it.

What are some other lesser know yet effective methods or capturing leads before they go to the MLS/auction?  

OR - if you're willing to bust your butt and make it happen, build the infrastructure of your organization, be methodical about it, and go to town!  

Currently our home has 150k-180k in equity (depending on an additional legal addition of property to the backyard) and im not yet sure as to what method to pursue.I dont intend to dive completely into real estate investing as my sole career but do wish to acquire enough passive income to work as little as possible while attending graduate school a year from now.