Have 1 property. Now what?

[Taylor Chiu]

Hi everyone - 

I just purchased my first duplex on a VA loan, rents are covering the mortgage and life is good. I plan on buying another duplex with the VA a year from now (I have to owner occupy the first place for a year), but I've got the itch and want to get my second property sooner than that.

It's unlikely I'll have enough for a conventional loan, so what other ways are there to acquire properties?

From what I know, I could do private financing, seller financing, auctions, and short sales.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!