If I do move to a less expensive market, I think I have enough capital to do a traditional mortgage if necessary. 

In almost every case traditional sales channels could have delivered a cash buyer with lots more money for your seller if they only waited a few more weeks.

Keep in mind that you will need to furnish the place, keep it spotless between guests, and provide small items for the tenants while they are staying there.

State laws have set price increases at 10% over market, most of these kick in during declared emergencies, especially for necessary items.

Instead, you either have to go with traditional methods such as asking family and friends for help, or you have to think outside the box and consider approaches like peer-to-peer lending and crowd funding.

Traditionally I've been big into stocks and other more liquid assets, but a couple years ago I hired a guy who was a former house-flipper.

Some traditional sources of funding include; business loans, loans from friends, mortgages or secured transactions on assets you already own, saving up money from your own income, starting a non-profit and getting grants from the government, etc.

If you're tight net income, then STOP operating in the traditional manner.

In the letter you can state your difficulty in reaching the property manager and list whatever deferred maintenance items the tenant should be taking care of per the lease.  

You need a specialist who will look at both the removal of negative items and help you build credit.