Marvin, would the owner want to keep the property if the owner could get a more favorable loan/mortgage?

@Kareem Elshatory they can def be a little tricky when the clock is ticking, but it also helps put the seller in a more vulnerable position when it comes to your offer.

If I am understanding the above correctly, does this mean that we should buy a more expensive property for our first, perhaps a triplex with three income-producing apartments, since that is our one opportunity to pay only 3.5% down?

@Andrew Michael  your are exactly correct the PUMP and DUMP due DILIGENCE schemes are rampant on sites like this.think about it  is there a more target rich environment for scammers than BP a site that is loaded with first time folks who even make post that they are first timers and new investors .. what is a very innocent post turns out to be a lead for a scammer...

There are also some who take a more business-like approach and will look at the asset, the cash-flow and the leverage, which would mitigate weaker tax returns.

After LOTS of research and talking to agents, there is definitely a market for and slow push towards a more rental-oriented mindset for millennials and empty-nesters.

I talked to a lender a few years ago to get an idea of what I can afford, and need to reach out to one again to get a more definitive number based on my current financials.Right now I see myself doing BRRR, so I think equity/price of the home are going to be important factors for me in order to fulfill that last "R". 

I hope to be able to help people thru the process and get them out of situations that could get worse and move them in a more positive direction.

If you have 150k, you might want to consider a more expensive 4plex.  

In my experience dealing with FHA appraisal, the appraisers tend to over their butt a lot more by going with a more conservative number.