- Are there alternative financing options, like private lenders or hard money loans, that could be suitable for someone with fluctuating income?

If not, any obvious alternate investment that I could do on the property to raise it's value, get more rent, or save money that I may be missing?

A few personal favorites are Facebook Market, Homegoods, Wayfair (for certain items and materials), Rooms to go. local furniture/cosignment stores, CB2 outlet. 

That's what I mean when I say fraudulent folks coming into this space.This did not materialize as much as I thought and I think it was cause everyone anticipated a rate cut, thus such a fund wouldn't need to be made.

Links to your three other posts on this same topic so readers can see what's already been discussed:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/61/topics/551577-backyard-homes-produced-in-chinahttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/617/topics/551580-china-built-backyard-homes-socalhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/61/topics/537480-tiny-homes-produced-in-chinaThis sort of house is an interest of mine, though I'm more interested in building them on-site with a 3D printer and local materials.  

Make sure to checkout all the materials under the "learn" tab, especially the podcats, great for those long commutes.

How is material participation defined?

If he is not eligible to claim REP status, is he eligible to claim he materially participates in the deals (even the ones with <5% ownership)?

Here's why.Each tenant segment has specific housing requirements and won't consider alternatives.

Better pricing on material?