How much of a down payment on SFH should be made?

[Steve Kirsch]

I am researching my first property purchase SFH. Haven't decided yet whether to reside in it for a couple of years then refinance to purchase another for renting, or rent it right away? I currently am renting where I reside. I would like advice on how much down to put if I could afford to pay up to 30%-40% up front? Better to do that or better to have more accessible cash flow if needed? Please advise... thank you

[Ham Merritt]

@Steve Kirsch if your thinking about conventional financing, I would put down 20% if you can in order to avoid paying mortgage insurance. If I were you I would stop renting altogether, put 20% on a 2 unit purchase and house hack by renting the second unit. Hoping this helps.