I am not sure if there are other alternate ways to collect finders fees, if you don't have an attorney to assist.

I've gotten the vibe though that people tend to renovate rental homes with cheaper materials than flips for the most part and I've already gotten started with a pretty big (but reasonable) flip in mind. 

To learn more about UDFI, see the following. https://www.irs.gov/irm/part7/irm_07-027-008.htmlFollowing are the similarities and differences between the solo 401k and the self-directed IRA.The Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k SimilaritiesBoth were created by congress for individuals to save for retirement;Both may be invested in alternative investments such as real estate, precious metals tax liens, promissory notes, private company shares, and stocks and mutual funds, to name a few;Both allow for Roth contributions;Both are subject to prohibited transaction rules;Both are subject to federal taxes at time of distribution;Both allow for checkbook control for placing alternative investments;Both may be invested in annuities;Both are protected from creditors;Both allow for nondeductible contributions;Both are prohibited from investing in assets listed under I.R.C. 408(m); andNeither may be invested in your own business.  

This stops the issue from escalating and now that I've done what I said I'd do it's a good relationship.The procedure for the City seems to be:A Violation letter with a specific time to resolve (24 hrs, 72 hrs, etc)A second letter which is a $75 Fine, Notice of Liability TMC 1726A third letter which is a $250 FineA court summons forcing you to hire a lawyer, attend court at least twice, resolve the issue and then pay court fees and fines.I presume if you don't attend the summons then they put a warrant out and place the fines and fees against your property meaning it will be seized if not resolved.At the City's discretion they will themselves resolve a situation they deem urgent...you will receive a large bill in the mail for their time and efforts, something like $300 an hour for four hours time plus materials and disposal.I have properties in a self directed IRA, which means the owner on file is the administrating firm...there is a two week delay between a notice being issued (yes a 72 hour notice) and my getting it.

Do I use alternative lender?

Then I'd take a look at comps as far as what type of finish and materials they put in the home that your home will have to compare against.

I too have looked at alternative builds and ended up thinking myself in a circle right back to stick framing as the numbers worked better and everybody understands it (tradesmen/zoning/inspectors).

If you can get a zero to low loan financing that would be a alternative providing it is less than your returns on your investments and you can pay it off quickly.Credit cards, car loans, leases, student loans are all considered bad debt and should be a individuals number one priority to clear.

Thank you in advance…Strategy: Buy and hold with enough equity in each deal to flip as an alternate exit strategy.

I've educated myself with free materials such as YouTube videos, podcasts, e-books etc.. you have to jump in and start with the basics.