It has been my experience that, in fringe areas, the biggest bang per buck comes from a decent quality signal amplifier at the antenna. Locating the amp at the antenna lets the amp see the highest possible signal to noise ratio - noise induced into the feed line is not amplified as it would be if the amp was located at or near the receiver - two-piece "bullet amplifiers" are readily available in the 20-30 dollar price range.
If Firebuff has accessible attic space, that is where I would want to put his UHF antenna. I would let the clearance space in the attic dictate the type and size of antenna selected. Although I would initially install the antenna without a rotor, I would select an antenna small enough to clear all obstacles when/if a rotor is added.
So ... coax run from receiver to attic antenna. Experiment different antenna headings. If this does not produce a satisfactory signal on all desired channels, try adding an amplifier. If you are still not satisfied, add a rotor.