Start building your down payment fund and check different financing options.

But if it’s money out of pocket for down payment (primary vs investment) there are definitely ways around that.

I've heard reliable reviews on this company and was optimistic I would be able to trust them.

It will be much more difficult, you need a team where is a mutual trust. 

The Go-Giver: - “Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value, than you take in payment”The Voice of Knowledge: - “It’s not important to be right, or make others wrong.

I would LIKE to be able to build one, get my down payment out of it after refinancing it after renting it out and repeat for a few more times with the same builder.

For first-timers, leveraging programs like down payment assistance or FHA loans can make a big difference.

However, a huge portion of the extra monthly payments would be offset by new rental income from my current primary residence.

However the property has a freeway behind it and hence no rear neighbors /more privacy.You’re going to see low or negative returns with minimum down payments in that area unless you’re going BIG as in much larger homes and much heftier budgets for design/amenities.There’s great cashflow on the Clearwater/Largo/Seminole/StPete side - you’re looking at 2 high cashflow buckets that I call Tier 1 and Tier 2. 

Nabby,Best way to first get into real estate is to buy your first primary home since the down payment can be zero to 3% down.