Best Use of Downpayment Funds

[Paul Santos]

Hello BP Members,

Looking for advice purchasing first investment property. 

We are selling our current home, moving, and then purchasing another primary residence at our new location (Phoenix metro area). I have enough cash to put 20% or more down payment on a primary residence purchase, is it better to put little or no down (VA loan eligible) on the primary residence and instead use my available cash to purchase 1 or maybe 2 SFR or Multifamily rentals?

Having listened to a lot of the BP podcasts and reading forums, I am rethinking my approach to better leverage myself to be able to purchase 1 or 2 rentals in the near future.

In the past, I have bought/sold six primary residences. I am fortunate that I was able to afford putting down 20% or more. Now, I feel wiser (or at least I think I do) and maybe this time I will take advantage of a VA loan with no down, and redirect my capital towards funding a couple of rental purchases (buy/holds).

All comments and advice are greatly appreciated.