Not a lot of our competitors offer this but it's something we can consider (but for us, it can't be in a rural area, the loan amount must exceed $150k, if we're using PadSplit income (or STR/MTR income) the max LTV is 75% and the down payment must come from your own funds). 

It's not quite as easy as renting out two sides of a duplex, but with the right marketing and management you could rent out the extra unit to supplement the mortgage payment. 

Getting one property and cashflowing it will be a challenge. you can try seller financing but you are still going to be highly levered which just enhances the risk that you are taking on.The best way to grow is to focus on managing your rental, saving money through your W2 and crushing that - if you are a realtor you will make more crushing it as being a realtor than over leveraging real estate - then save for down payment and buy slowly. its not a rush.

If you are in a state where eviction cost is high and it is tenant friendly you may need a higher credit score to offset default risk and eviction cost.If you are in a landlord friendly state where it is easier to get non paying tenants out you may be able to handle more none payment risk.  

Sometimes it's nice to get a new lease so that you can increase the rent right off the bat, but having tenants with a solid payment history is worth so much more to me.

Just dont miss payments and you will be fine!  

typically with seller finance there would be some period of monthly payments and then a balloon where you pay off the balance in full. 

Health insurance payments, Health savings account lots of options. 

Low down payment (3.5%) is attractive, but comes with mortgage insurance and might not offer the best rates.

Do you mind expanding on how you attained closing cost and down payment?