Starting my investing career with a Multi-fam

[Gareth Knight]

 This may be a bit long but I do appreciate any and all replies, TIA. I currently rent and need to move out of here. In about 2 years I will be retiring and most likely move south, out of state. My thought is I buy a multi-fam (off market preferably) and house hack for 2 years then move south. I would keep the MFH I purchase and manage OOS. 

Now, I believe I need to go Conventional cz I'm looking at 2-4 units and would need 5% down?

I cannot go with FHA because it's MFH, correct?

Another question is if I'm looking at off market deals that come to me, I would need to come up fast with the money because the property may be sent to me through other means ( realtor, wholesaler, etc) than the MLS and nobody will wait for a Conventional Loan to close 90 days out.

Do I go with a Hard Money lender until I can refinance into a Conventional loan? 

Am I thinking along the right lines?

Thanks again,

Gareth Knight