The professional mouse exterminators have specialized techniques for keeping the mice away from your home for a long time.

Sounds like he's doing very well using the techniques he suggested for you.Another question would be . . . have you contact family and friends to let them know that you are now a real estate agent?

My alternative is renting until $1M+ single family homes become feasible. 

(it's been a few weeks now)  Are there any other Window phone users out there that may know of an alternative?

Alternatively more individuals invest directly in real estate, and not through funds.

What's their level of expertise - how many unique alternative investments do they hold?

It is always good to learn particularly with construction techniques how it would be done even if its isn't  the best choice for this property.  

Depending on the situation, there are some other techniques that don't involve as much digging. 

Seller “Refi” for TakeoverThis no-money-down technique is as amazing as it is simple.

I'm trying to open up this discussion in terms of both good and bad...After speaking with a few people and lenders on acquiring money for a down payment on a multifamily property, a secured personal loan came up as an alternative to coming up with enough money for part of the down payment (oh, say $10,000).That means:> Secured personal loan (putting a lien on a car as collateral) worth $10,000 at terms of 4.25% APR over 5 years. - Total Down: $20,000> A mortgage for $102,000 @ 5% over 30 years , meaning a monthly PITI of about $800> 2 Duplexes (4-plex) with total monthly income of $2,400 *these numbers are somewhat irrelevant to the question, but is just an attempt at giving real world data*The question is: with the acquisition of another mortgage, what are the upsides and downsides of acquiring a secured personal loan as well?