Eventually I'll like to move into MFR at which I'll be looking for other creative financing methods.

The recent water quality issues and the poor schools reinforce that.  

Hi David,I've used this method successfully 7-8 times over the past 10 years when flipping and can share my experience and methods. 

Throw in some cash-flow and a quality asset and I'm all over that.  

We're starting to look at FSBO or finding that pre-foreclose before it gets listed.Does anyone know a good method for finding these properties?

But Dave Ramsey's method is illogical.  

The quality of the unit directly correlates to the quality of the tenant and the rent rates you can charge.

Is there a creative finance method that can be used in my situation that will not trigger DOS and also will not leave me with a huge tax bill once ownership is transferred?

I know the rental analysis methods (determine NOI, cap rate, COC) and I know the typical flip equation (ARV minus repairs X 70%).

Be sure to stay active now that you posted, setting up key word alerts can help with that.I can't help with the specifics of Tacoma, but I might suggest researching school quality, as that is a key factor in desirability.