If you don't want to do the work on the properties, or you don't want to manage tenants, or you don't want to deal with housing authorities, or don't want calls at 2 AM, or whatever it is that is associated with these investment vehicles, then you need to prepare both operationally and financially for someone else to deal with it.

The school projects I've seen tend to draw very low income renters--rezoning your unneeded outdoor spaces for things they want, improves your $$$$ if you sell the land, and makes it a more desirable rental.

Better keep looking for a more suitable fit.”

@RICHARD FOX, the problem is, in this neighborhood, people pay top dollar for a more modern looking house.

They tend to keep the space clean for the consumers and you usually have landlord friendly tenant laws.I have been down the multifamily route before and it is a more intensive asset to manage and a lot more BS with residential tenants and all of their excuses.I didn't like it but I do not like regular residential SFR either.

The property would have to be described better for a more detailed response. 

This is a marathon not a sprint, if you give up because you can't get "funding on multiple properties" you won't even buy one which will give you the experience that will make you a more attractive person to lend to in the future.

I like the idea of partnering with a more experienced investor on a larger multi fam but I'm unsure where to start that process. 

Does anyone know of a more “creative” way to access the cash that we need, quickly?

It's close to a few beaches, so rent could probably be a little more, which would help to make the price of the home back quicker, thus allowing pure cashflow quicker.. but I'm not sure if, overall, this would be a good investment.Maybe try to make a pros/cons list with everything you can think of, just starting out, then if you're able to view the property, make a more detailed observation.