We also want to see renting as a more affordable alternative than buying. 

We alternate who takes the conventional mortgage as individuals are allowed 10 each.

They may require YOU to provide comparable rental data to justify the increase and even then may only approve part of the increase.While this is frustrating, think of the alternative - landlords abusing the system by raising rents beyond market rents and all us taxpayers footing the bill.

I was wondering if anyone on here could give me any tips or alternative besides getting a bank mortgage loan.

Alternatively the rate you've been quoted would be closer to 1.4% in points with about $1300 in other lender fees. 

Are you saying alternative investments etc or something alternative within the field of real estate?

Are their any alternatives?

Most of the latter can appraise a 2-4 unit with competence and only the former would be able to play in the 5+ space or alternative assets arena with any credibility.

I keep telling people there are alternatives to eviction.

My thought is a SD IRA basically gives you alternative to stocks.