If you can secure a lease option it MIGHT be valuable, but will require significant due diligence by a solar developer (available capacity, environmental due diligence, location to substation, 3 phase power lines etc.).

Cash up front would be a bigger requirement for STRs too so it's not a "cash-flow" method, it's just your moving cash around differently.

Submit offers and negotiate terms with sellers, being prepared to walk away if the deal doesn't meet your requirements.

No self employment required.  

VA loans typically require no down payment and have competitive interest rates.

Only the first option requires a new deed.However, for a note, a more common way is to give him a mortgage to secure the note, and you'd record the mortgage at the court house.

Of course, talk to your lender as they will know with certainty what that time requirement is.

It's been great in years past, however, due to saturation and stricter registration/compliance requirements, bookings have really dried up here and many are converting to longer-term rentals. 

@Krishna RanaGetting started with real estate investing requires several key steps to reach your financial goals.

It takes time and requires work.