Unsecured would be way easier/cheaper.

Back billing would be quite a bit cheaper, but you still need to install meters.  

I know postcards are cheaper but do they convert? 

Cheaper worse parts of town will be more open to it.

Because it's a 5% down mortgage I would live in it for the minimum amount of time I have to till I can rent it out and then move out and rent somewhere cheaper to save money.

You might find they will be far cheaper, pre-engineered, and fast to construct and rent or get on the market for sale. 

I was able to get it fixed for cheaper than most people because I am a general contractor.  

I've contemplated calling him and making an offer but I'll probably be able to get it a lot cheaper later on. 

The deals out-of-state usually tend be much cheaper and work better for buy-and-hold investors like your uncle but that doesn't mean you can't find something here in San Diego county that makes sense if you're patient.Hey Tim G.

Could be done cheaper.