Where we are in our business, If we want to grow now rather than later,  and we do, it is for us the best risk alternative; other types of risk, (partners, hard-money (no personal guarantees but higher interest, or more depleted personal cash reserves), are all less attractive to us . 

The alternative is to find a local handyman and use them as your boots on the ground.

Here's things to think about-https://www.biggerpockets.com/...You always have the option of buying straight investment properties as an alternative.

An alternative is getting into a partnership or syndicate.

A bad one requires you to focus on them.Lastly, what is your alternative?

countless hours online, you can visit all of the national and local banks websites... seems about half have REOs actually listed. 

Alternatively, if you are not trying to be completely passive, I would suggest doing your own management of SFR from a distance as there are a ton of resources on BP to help you succeed.

Would love to talk alternative strategy that may satisfy our needs.Thanks!

There is plethora of  creative alternative lending available.

Hello investors!I'm searching for my first multi-family deal in the Tacoma/JBLM area where I plan to use my VA loan to finance. I do plan to owner-occupy. So far I've found some nice properties but they won't cash flo...