@Arthur Fuller II Im still a beginner with a similar bankroll, but I'm in Houston so its a little different for me.

A lower EMD will help but if you are getting them under contract at the right price then they will sell sooner then later and your bank roll will more than cover your EMD needs.

I do not have a huge bankroll (quite the contrary, I'm hoping there's a way I can bootstrap the REI channel).I'm curious to hear from those of you in the thick of things, what are the best strategies you'd recommend I explore, given my noob status, minuscule available funds, and our current market situation. 

Unbelievable price, gives you all the discounts he can get, works 10 hours a day 7 days a week until he is done, has about 5 workers working on your project full time, under schedule and under budget, designs like an architect and doesn't charge you for it, bankrolls your project, won't bill you until the end.

After you complete a deal or 2, you should have a decent bank roll to start investing yourself.  

There is no quick fix with raising private money, unless you have family members who are willing to bankroll you.

Congrats on the bankroll @Kevin Frett.

If you don't have the bank roll to cover costs you wil likey fail.I would pass on this and any other deals until you are in a strong financial position.

Just because the bank rolls your loan fees into the loan, does that make it free?  

some of us have no option but to buy one good 3-4 unit deal, fix up, force appreciation increase value and 6-12 months later refi to bank roll next bigger property. rinse and repeat dti ratio does increase but ratio should be less than the noi increases or not "good" deal. banker will ensure your still under 43% on backend to protect the asset and risks. if want ensure that bring proof new signed leases by tenants if buying occupied. now done both. commercial is less restrictive overall less federal hand holding seemed faster.