Check with your broker and make sure this fits with your local laws.

It would be best to befriend a local contractor or even help one out on a job to see any differences from your past eight years doing it in another country.

probably a wholesale company.. get a second opinion from a local RE agent so you dont get hosed. 

@Katie Miller I found mine at a local REIA.

From what I've heard, local banks are sometimes more flexible than the big guys.A buddy of mine managed to snag a HELOC on his rental property, which isn't always straightforward, but it opened doors for him.

Any information on local clubs I could join that have this kind of environment would be appreciated.

I'm sure some local banks will do higher especially with a strong relationship but don't think I will fall into that category.

Avoid PMI and then go to a local credit union and get a heloc after closing to gift the money back.Have this as a tool in your tool belt but pursue use of the 3.5% FHA, knowing that you will be at a competitive disadvantage if you are competing with non FHA buyers, then you can call in the favor from your gift person.Just know that if someone gifts you down payment money, your bank will require them to sign a letter stating that it is in fact a gift that doesn’t need to be paid back.

The local market has a lot of opportunities, especially if you’re looking into multifamily or creative financing.

You can also check out local Facebook pages in the markets you are looking in.