Help! Newbie Questions

[Shequila Hamilton]

Hello,

I am a 24 year old newbie in Atlanta, GA looking to get started in real estate investing. I've have done a lot of research over the past 6 months both on and off of BiggerPockets.

The strategy that I am aiming begin with was to buy a four-plex on a FHA loan with 3.5 percent down and house hack while I save up for the next property. Unfortunately, here in Atlanta I am having difficulty finding some in my price range that are in ridiculously dangerous neighborhood. I've come across a duplex that I am interested in and am considering reaching out to the seller and asking if they would seller finance. I'm trying to get into investing with low or no money down and use my own money for repairs (or at least I believe that is the best option).

I am basically asking if one method is better that the other. Should I wait it out and go with the FHA loan when something comes along in a few months or should I get in and get my feet wet?

Also, how does buying a property through seller financing affect my eligibility to possible still get an FHA loan next year? I'm not 100% sure how seller financing works which is why I'm unsure of which option is best.

*Sidenote: if anyone knows of four unit small apartments off market in Atlanta, GA please let me know as this is my preference for a first investment.

Thanks!

Shequila Hamilton