$20k to invest, want to buy multi... suggestions on best options for real estate

[Carla Moore]

Hello, I am a little frustrated..... I want to get into real estate, I own free in the clear a home.... I would like to buy a multi.... I have $20k to invest and that doesn't seem enough in my market. I've talked to quite a few lenders and the option for FHA 3.5% is not an option because I own a home? I thought $20k was a good amount to start.... should I fix & flip?, BRRR, go to the casino?

what suggestions do you have out there?   

[Scott Allen]

@Carla Moore 

First find an agent that specializes in multi-family in and around Columbus, OH. Have them send you their referrals (lenders, inspectors, insurance agents) Talk to more lenders, let them know you're planning to go FHA and looking for a duplex to live in one side and rent out the other. See what you can rent your primary residence for and what updates you could do to help get it rented starting April-September (lots of moving going on). Find a duplex that you would actually consider living in within your budget to house hack.

Go to the casino after closing on that duplex