Members who already owned a home: How did you finance deal one?

[Mike Goldenthal]

As I'm sure all of you know, real estate investing isn't all just numbers. Life goals and personal happiness also has to factor into your decision making. 

That being said, my wife and I recently bought our first single family home to serve as our primary residence. We did this against the advice of fellow investors, colleagues and friends, who all told me to start with the duplex/triplex and live in one unit while renting out the others, taking advantage of the low down payment required when going through FHA, Fannie Mae, Conventional 97, etc. But as they say, happy wife, happy life.

While we aren't house poor by any stretch, and still have some money left in the bank, I'm wondering where everyone else in the BP community who was in my position turned to for financing. Were you forced to go conventional with 20% down? Were you able to find hard or private money that would take a chance on someone with no experience? Did you turn to a family member or friend? Would love to hear everyone's stories.