-why not pick a market closer to home? 

Low down payment AND it cash flows also AND buyer has title.Maybe I am asking too much, but I don't think so.Perhaps you just market to homeowners.

My credit should be the highest allowable also and I shouldn't have problems with approval.Ok, i shopped about 80 lenders (based on Fridays rates, market is closed so no live pricing)Conventional Full Doc loan you would be at 7.875% if you put 20% down (you said what the house was worth, but not your purchase price). 

All these properties were purchased for under 100k (not possible now, we got lucky with the downswing of the market at that time).

How do you go about determining market rate?

I'd recommend speaking with local specialists in your target market to look at multiple investment options side-to-side.Lastly, some of my clients have been encouraged to stay away from HELOCs unless they expect a lump sum (inheritance, sale of other asset, bonus, etc.) to pay off the HELOC in the next year or 2. 

My last deal was my first off market deal and when I contacted the sellers wife about the deposits she said that that was a given as part of a multi family sale and they’d write me a check at the closing as I requested because money was tight and I didn’t want a credit where I’d have to come up with the funds out of pocket later.

Hi RickeyAs a first-time homebuyer, you have great opportunities in the condo market.

In fact, just finished one that I have yet to put on the market. 

John I rented a 4 plex i remodled in charleston as the flip market had slowed.. the tax's on it were substantially higher than an owner occ property.. could be the rates were different this was a 1.2 mil prop..