Hello everyone!I want to get into the Buy and Hold style of REI. Unfortunately, I dont know a whole lot about the financing programs available to me and how, if at all, I could use them to purchase a multifamily unit....

Hi David:As a fellow disabled veteran, I can address one of the easiest ways to get in to a multifamily dwelling as an investment property: VA loans.The VA will back loans on multifamily residences upwards of $300k--including quadraplexes--if they are owner-occupied.

That same description of quality describes a 1 bedroom home I own, paid $36K and rents for $650 per month to a nice old lady that has been collecting disability for +40 years.Talking about market and above priced properties....

However, job loss, stagnant wages in an inflationary environment, sudden disability, divorce, and other life changing events can alter the tenant's ability to maintain that income to housing cost ratio.

Long Term Disability Benefits Insurance.. does your state require these (STD & LTD) for employees?

I couldn't work because I was taking care of my husband who was on disability due to an on-duty accident.

I highly recommend you get your medical paperwork together and start applying for disability with the VA.

Now the only extra added income I have is about a 40% disability.  

We have one tenant who had been paying nothing because she is disabled.

If the chimney is not essential (i.e. no boiler or furnace using it) block, disable (and down the road remove) it - chimneys, particularly those with traditional fire places, are major sources of heat loss.