"...the cops are unable to assist. I basically go commando-style through my house..."

I respectfully have to ask why? Any cop with an ounce of sense will not do a building search alone, so why would you? You can stay outside and cover the obvious exit if you want to, but going inside, even tho you know the layout, is just asking for trouble. There is nothing (other than my family) in my house that I am willing to risk my life for. Call the cops, stay outside, and if the cops can't come, either try to "arrest" the badguy when he/she exits, or let him/her go and file an insurance claim. And for sure don't shoot the bg when he comes out, in most jurisdictions burglers are not shootable...