Buy the property that you want to own the most 10 years from now.

If you are trying to raise a few hundred thousand to buy another 4-6 unit property, while I would not invest in someone with less than a year experience, I am guessing some of your pilot friends, other friends, or family members may be willing to chip in.Now, if you want to jump from a triplex to 80 units, raising 4-5mm of equity and another 4-5mm in debt, than I would just manage your expectations. 

For example, this investor that I met recently said not to buy properties at tax auction for 100+ different reasons.

I want to know whether it would work legally for me to buy a home and occupy it for 6 months and then relocate for the maximum time of two years and then return to the property a my primary residence. 

If you were looking to buy a fixer upper etc..

It’s clear that there’s an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience here, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing with this community.I’m looking to connect with members who are open to mentoring or collaborating on real estate deals, particularly in buy-and-hold strategies for single-family or multi-family properties.

If that makes home buying affordable without putting you in a pinch financially, go for it.

This vary heavily town to town. 20% down is great if buying strictly as investment but if you have a way of owner occupying I would explore that route and apply the 20% down to increasing value of property and instead using low money down loan. 

As a CFA you probably know the old quote from Warren Buffett who said something like "buy what you know and understand". 

All set to jump my start career as a investor to do fix/flip and buy apartment units  ,any suggestions how to move forward.