Usually for first timers and low down buyers the underwriting is a little more simplistic than traditional buy/hold investors purely seeking yield. 

They aren't too concerned with the type of transaction (traditional homebuyer/seller or investment).

The unfortunate thing here is that investment properties foreclose at a higher rate than primary homes so many banks just don't want the exposure to this.

You do not need to own a primary home in order to buy an investment property.

We have LG models in our primary home and they are also pretty great.I would not get a washer smaller than 4.5 cubic feet and the matching dryer which is usually 7 cubic feet.

Primary residence capital gain $250,000 exclusion.  

Why not get traditional financing for the property?

You may run into issues trying to take a HELOC out on an investment property, and even if you can I doubt you'd want to use it for a down payment for a primary because the rates are much higher.What kind of cash flow would you be generating from your multi once you move out?

. :) I dont really use the high limits really except on my primary business card.

The traditional carriers you mentioned are not good options in this space.