You’re going to seek out alternative financing and lending.

What are your needs vs. what are the needs of the tenants you hope to attract? 

The S&P 500 has averaged a 1.5% dividened, when comparing that to real estate cash on cash returns, Real Estate looks very attractive.

I am not familiar with your region and how the mini-split systems perform, but if the insulation is good and the units are not too big they should be a good alternative. 

So you're only ever going to attract tenants who don't have other options or are settling.

Being open minded to alternative ways to utilize RE is good business.

I obviously have plenty of pictures and videos of my home, but I don't entirely know what I need to do to get it to be attractive to other renters.

@Natalie Wells@Colin M.Of course, if you take a distribution from your retirement account you will have to pay the taxes and (likely) penalties.There are possible alternatives which would allow to you use these funds without paying taxes or penalties.First, you may wish to consider transferring the funds to a self-directed 401k or IRA which will allow you to invest in real estate without incurring taxes or penalties.

are there suggestions to alternative lenders that are more favorable to investment?

Airdna shows an attractive ROI.