The alternative that I am considering is to stay put in our rented house while investing in a multiunit property in a market with a better cash-flow potential (lower price-to-rent ratio). 

Then, any excess cash, you save and start building your alternative bucket of portfolio like rental properties.

Then there are lots of alternatives. 

Another alternative I am looking for is to get a HELOC or second mortgage on the primary in order to pay off the other building.

You alternative was to not buy at all, so I’d say you have a win. 

Alternatively, you maybe could have negotiated a cash-for-keys situation before closing so you could have purchased the property vacant.

The alternative is to use the MLS.

An alternative option would be to get an owner occupied FHA loan on a 2-4 unit with 3.5% down.

That is why I've been trying to think of alternative ways to get my name out there.Having said that, I do respect your opinion and thank you for your comments.

They make buying investment houses incredibly easy and streamlined, but most are turnkey, so your returns won't be as good as a BRRRR, but it's another alternative with not a lot of money.Good luck!