How much do you REALLY need?

[Alexanderia M.]

I am a first time investor, who currently owns a home but is interested in purchasing a duplex, or some kind of rental property. I am curious to know, how much do I really need to save for my first investment?  Is that contingent upon the type of property I am looking to acquire and the location it is in?  

[John Warren]

@Alexanderia M. the answer depends mostly on whether or not you are willing to owner occupy the duplex. If you do, you can put down as little as 3.5% and use an FHA loan. If you are not looking to go the owner occupied route, you will most likely need to put down 20%.