Or there is a version for 2 to 4 unit small buildings as well but then down payment grows to 25%.Or if you agree to live in it for 12 months you can do it as an FHA 203k rehab loan with as little as 3.50% down on 1 to 4 unit properties and use future rents to qualify for the loan size needed.

My concern for you would be exactly that - building it so big that it does turn into a monster you can't manage or grow, because the business systems aren't set up optimally.

We have supported as lender when folks purchased for $17,000 and sold for $30,000 same day.The flipping, land lording might need some cash of your own; even though you can get lender involved for portion of it.There are other tweaks and variations on real estate; which you can explore as well.See what works best for your situation and change as you grow.

I, personally, would like to grow my business and at the point I am at, I basically need to start a property management company to accomplish this.Seems like a win-win scenario if properly structured.Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to growing with you guys. 

If you are looking at duplexes... check out New Braunfels... decent prices (lot less than Austin) and growing market.

@Kevin MasonNotes and lending to other established real estate investors can be a good way to passively grow the account balance.

Key thing to remember is to make sure that with the new mortgage you are still in the black with your current rent

You want a market that is growing and diverse.5.

My goal was to buy single family homes in distressed properties ( short sales, or NOD leads by calling home owners and seeing if they want to sell before they go into foreclosure)  in a growing population area with strong job growth and buy, add value , and rent them out for tiny bits of cashflow and wait for appreciation. 2 main questions I have at the moment. 1) How did you pick your market to buy your first investment?