New To Investing

[Pearse Cafiero]

Hi Everyone, 

Trying to figure out the best way to go about getting my first rental property. Ideally was thinking a duplex, triplex, or quadplex to get started and use an FHA loan but I also have a private lender that can possibly help with up to $200k worth of a down payment. I want to find something local (Los Angeles area), move in, do small renovations to possibly build up more equity, do a 1031 exchange, and find something better.

Thoughts? Suggestions?