At this point I don't know if I'd be getting in early but still would nice to play the new construction appreciation game.  

-Craigslist 4+ bedroom places near-ish to the listing.It might not be a bad house hack place if you play the long game. 

The rental's cashflow allows for this and as I am still happily working my dayjob, I can afford to 'play the long game' and defer cashflow into my personal bank account until years down the road.

I'm not here to play the moderator or a mediator but by bickering between the both @John Thedford and @Malcolm Jarrell does not answer the question so here's a differenct perspective.

If You play things right and, build that 10k to about 15-16k, let it sit in an account 30-60 days untouched and go get a pre-approval for an FHA mortgage from a bank or Mortgage Broker.

Until then you play the waiting game (waiting for news or rent) until rent is overdue. 

@Tyler McGillHey Tyler, yes there are a ton of exceptionally priced homes in St Louis that would require some rework or a total gut, but dependent upon its location (neighborHOOD) and how the market is doing around that area it might not be the best play. The

I recommend finding a small/local community bank that will do a commercial portfolio loan.I've only been play the game for 3 months and personally, I ended up finding a small community bank in Bellville, TX that considers themselves to be a business bank first and a consumer retail (depository) bank second.

I just want to diversify income streams.I play the long game.

If you are seeking to play the long game and are willing to fulfill those requirements, you simply cannot find a better niche to ensure your investment success IMHO.