Use a (good!) electric razor. Much easier on the skin, and it's the only way to get an okay shave. I have never gotten a perfect shave. I gave up on it. You can do the steam stuff and all, but not only is that a pain, it also comes with the possibility of getting cut and shaving your hair. Besides, shaving really close, using a bladed razor, usually (for me, at least) causes awful reactions and a few ingrowns every time.
I think you should go with this for now. I think it's by far the most effort-efficient solution.
Also, you don't have to "afford" electrolysis. You don't need to see it as a big task you have to pay for. You can go gradually. An hour or two a week; it doesn't matter
By the way, I'm a student living with 900 $ a month and I have paid 2600 $ for laser with my savings about a year ago, and I'm going to start electrolysis soon with the ~3000 $ I'll have in stock then. I'm sure you can manage it somehow. If you want to go extreme like me, eat cheap, cancel the TV, tough out your old ugly loose clothes, get rid of your car and seldom go out for fun. Money will pile up! Well, somewhat.