Keep in mind Lake Charles was just destroyed by 2 hurricanes, so pickings, if any, are slim (and slightly inflated in my opinion) at the moment. 

I do have 2 properties now but they were houses I bought to live in and keep when I was ready to move on.So I want to use my 2nd FHA mortgage on my first investment property bought as a investment property.I'm focused on finding a four plex but pickings are slim in the greater Baton Rouge area.I'm seeing a few duplexes sneaking on the market.Do I switch strategies or hold fast stay true to my four plex plan?

My experience with auctions are  "unless you follow them constantly getting a deal under the market price is very slim".I have seen many of them going over market price.If you join bunch of them , you can get one.

Ideally, I was planning to buy a multi-family out in Austin, but they are slim to come by in my price range.

Since her name is on the deed/title everything will be based on the Marital Balance Sheet which will show liabilities and assets.If your plan is to purchase and wholesale the property, there's a slim chance that may occur as I'm sure the ex-spouse will want to know why there is a pending action against the property @Mai Lor

Find a house hack in our area, although they are slim pickings.

I know the chances of getting anything at the tax sale is slim, and then it might be something crappy.

If I give up the first time something doesn't work my chances of financial independence are pretty slim.

I love the slim margin deals since you can keep more of the money come tax time if you keep track of deductions.

I simply ask because there are very slim and all overpriced small multi families in the Charlotte area - usually not great investments.