So I trusted him and sent the money.

My strategy is to use HELOC to cover down payment and convention loan to cover the rest of the mortgage.

.- My Resources / Constraints: I'm in a by no means unique, but perhaps less common situation for those getting started; I'm a somewhat senior software engineer at a tech megacorp and should be able to save a couple of down payments per year for lower priced houses (100-200 in my area), or perhaps one medium priced house (300-500).

Quote from @Harita Konjeti: Tenant has not paid entire rent for first month, do I have any other options other than charging late payment? 

(PS I'm sure you experienced folks have your contractors in line already but it never hurts to add another trusted one to the phone book, I'd love to send over our business cards and talk about how we could be of assistance to your team) Again thank you all for the help - Brennan 

The key factor is the amount paid and the nature of the payment, not the payment method.

This may give the seller/agent more trust that you know what you are doing. 

@Ilya G.Hi, how much do you need for a down payment?

DSCR loans are based off of down payment, credit score and either actual or market rents so it helps to supercharge an investor's real estate goals and net worth.

Down payment/ financing may be a moot point if your are foreign.