Lenders in the Raleigh & Durham , NC Market

[Carl L DeCesare]

Hello fellow investors. I'm actively searching for an investment property in the Raleigh or Durham area. I would love to invest an a multi unit but as those of you familiar with this market know, there are very few duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in the area so I'm most likely going to settle on a single family home. I've been looking at potential buy and hold and also flip opportunities. I'm new to the area and don't much of a network of like minded investors with experience so I've just been using the MLS and working with a realtor to look at properties. I want to learn how to buy REO properties or use other strategies to purchase for below market value but for now, i'm just using the MLS. My realtor has referred 2 lenders to me and he has told me that they require 25% for a downpayment on investment properties. I had the perception that 20% was the standard and I'm posting this to get a referral to lenders that would take 20%. Also, if anyone works with contractors who they just love and would like to pass along their phone number, I would be eternally grateful. Thank you!