Financing 5+ units deal for first real estate deal

[Matthew E.]

Is it possible (relatively easy?) to get a commercial real estate loan for a 5-8 unit apartment complex as a first time real estate investor? I've been interested in real estate for a few years now but due to graduate school I haven't been able to commit. I doubt I'll be closing any deals in 2018 but am hoping that by the start of 2019 I'll be in a position to actually pursue a real estate deal seriously.

I will be debt free, earning around 100k/year, have a credit score of 760, and should be able to supply a 20% down payment for properties I'd be interested in. Is my lack of real estate investment experience a huge barrier for me obtaining a traditional commercial bank loan for a 5-8 unit commercial property?

I'm a big time newbie but this is something I definitely want to pursue and am willing to listen to any and all advice! Also, if anyone has any resources they think I could really benefit from reading/watching/listening then please let me know.

Appreciate the help!

[Elizabeth Mason]

As a lender, if someone has strong credit, good liquidity, and good outside earned income I would work with them to see if we would be able to help them with a first time RE purchase.  I would want to work with my borrower to ensure that the property they are buying is a good fit as far as their level of experience and skill sets (for example, a property that required a lot of renovation or wasn't stabilized would be a concern for me for an average first time investor) so it would be a good idea to find a lender ahead of time so you can discuss your goals and the types of properties they are comfortable lending on.