Some strategies to get around are:1. leverage your current portfolio and buy in cash, increase value, and then refi2. buy Multi-family so your ratios aren't the main factor to lenders3. get in with a lender for high net worth individuals4.

Do they have a family that depends on them for stability? 

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

I'd recommend looking at costs. your build cost is going to be well over other homes because of the fixed costs like slab, Hvac, roof, etc. check the market drivers and weight the benefits of short term versus long term. long term is no furniture and help pays mortgage but at this size it doesn't really cover everything. we didn't find a lot of economies of scale in single family detached. can you build more than one unit?

I'm a local youth pastor in MN and I'm looking into getting started in real estate so that I can provide extra income for my growing family.

Personal use - if you or your family used the property for personal purposes, you will need this to factored in. 

DFW is a fantastic market for multi-family investments, thanks to its strong job and population growth.

Although most of my stays are <7 days, I've had a few longer stays (business travelers and a family that was going through a full home remodel).

Hi @Bryce Cover,First, congratulations on your growing family and your successful real estate investment so far!

My motivation is to increase my financial literacy and diversify into real estate.I have rented all my life and seek to become a homeowner/ investor to help my family and make their lives easier.