Best strategies for a college graduate during these COVID times?

[Eric Perez]

Hello everyone!

I was looking for some insight into what others are thinking about the best approach at real estate investing as a soon-graduating healthcare worker that will soon be making moderate income (~70K) and am interested in starting with Live-in flips to eventually pair with using profits and income for buy and holds. 

here are three strategies I see: 

1) USDA Loan: While still eligible, I can qualify for a USDA loan in areas that aren't my ideal, but allow me to get into a home the soonest without the cash reserves and down payments. With todays market, I know that one bad period can throw me underwater on the loan although I'm contemplating if a live-in flip can force an equity that at the very least covers for any potential dip in the market. 

2) FHA on a multifamily:

It's a Bigger Pockets bread and butter situation. Save up for an 3-5% down payment and find a place I can BRRRR while house hacking when possible. The downsides here are high prices and low availability of multifamily homes in my area (new england), the loss of mortgage payments going instead to renting in the meantime (around 15k/year) as well as whispers of government stepping into the multifamily space causing some concern.

3) FHA on a Condo:

This is a compromise between the two: Lower cost of entry (~100K or so depending on the conditions), HOA is akin to rent but I still get to put money into building equity. Buying at this price point also allows for me to make extra principle payments, forcing more equity and a forced savings of sorts. This would be a 1-2 year plan until enough capital is built to get into a proper multifam when the time comes since I am not interested in buying or holding condos as a strategy long term.

What are some upsides/downsides that I am not seeing?

What other strategies should I consider?

What would you do in my position?

What's the deal with airline peanuts?

Anyhow , I appreciate any and all input and would love to hear what other recent and seasoned investors would do and have done. Thanks!