Multi-family investing

[Cooper Rewa]

Hello everyone,

I am new to BiggerPockets but have read many of Brandon Turner's blogs on real estate investing, especially when it comes to multi-family homes. My current lease expires next summer and am hoping to purchase my first house/property at the end of next summer. After reading several blogs here on BiggerPockets, I have become interested in purchasing a 2-4 unit multi-family home. In doing some initial online research, I have found that many units seem to be a bit pricey (if you're putting 20% down). My main questions are:

1) Where are some good websites to start searching for these types of properties?

2) What kind of work should I be doing now to make sure I am prepared in 12 months?

3) Is it necessary to put 20% down or can you get by putting less down?

Really appreciate the feedback and tips :)

[Connie Buschman]

I'm new at this, having just recently closed on my first two duplexes, but we didn't have to put 20% down.  I just depends on the bank you  go with.  When we were shopping rates and deals, one back wanted 25% down, another 15%.  We finally went with one that only required us to put 11% down plus pay closing costs out of pocket instead of rolling them into the loan.  Shop around and try and negotiate for the least amount down, that's what we did.