Best tax and finance strategies for first time home buyers

[James McHugh]

About to purchase my first primary residence. Looking to get into REI. I have the ability to put 20% down but that will leave me with much less in the bank. I'm debating if I should put down slightly less so I have extra cash for reinvestment in actual rental properties but I know PMI kicks in and can add a few hundred dollars a month. How does one decide the best approach? "It depends"?

The other concern was how to maximize tax strategies. I know there is a homestead exemption that can lower your taxable amount by up to $50K on the house (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead_exemption_in_Florida#Reduction_of_Ad_Valorem_Property_Tax) and I've also seen the Housing Mortgage Credit Certificate which can supposedly save up to $2K on taxes (https://apps.floridahousing.org/StandAlone/MCCReservations/MCCInfo.htm)

Am I on the right track?  I'm trying my hardest to learn, research and grow. Any advice is appreciated.