I can't seem to find any multifamily homes in my area??

[Wil Reichard]

I have gotten to the point where I've done my research, gotten myself out of credit card debt (yay!) and am now looking for my first home to invest in. I will be living in this one for a year or so, so I only have to put down 3.5%. I am leaning towards a multifamily home to start off with. I've heard so many great stories from these properties and since this will be my first home I think its best to start off with something like a multifamily home. Problem is I've used zillow and other house search engines and can't seem to find any in my area (Greenville SC). Do you think its about time I reach out to a realtor so they can use MLS. Also, would a (300k max) MFH be too hard on my DTI? current salary is around 25k. I have a second job but thats only for the summer. Am I biting off more then I can chew? Or is a partner or investor something I need to look into a little more?

[Meghan McCallum]

@Wil Reichard, I'd also look at finding a partner who would also serve as a roommate. House hack your heart out. You can do it when you are young. Also, another avenue is to find a more seasoned investor and if you can find a property that the seller is offering seller financing on ask them to partner with you because...at least in what I have seen...most people don't offer that to a new guy. So, you bring the down payment, they secure the owner financing. You run it for 6-12 mos and re-fi them out of it. They get a nice pay off...you come out owning something no one would loan you the money for. Just an idea.