Identify a property that needs work on the MLS and purchase as a primary residence (which enables the best possible financing terms) - move in & make repairs (that can be financed into the loan).

If you can, pay a contractor with old house experience to walk the property with you...the more experienced people you can get looking at the property, the less likely you'll miss a major issue that ends up costing you $$$ down the road.Another issue with the older houses is that they often have less square footage, and/or weird floorplans...however, the weird floorplans can sometimes work to your advantage if you can learn to spot easy potential improvements that would enable you to have an extra tenant or increase rent.

USDA loans are 0% down and have maximum income limits tthat enable low-mid income earners to get into a home.

He works hard for me, knowing it produces income that enables him to afford better equipment and do what he really loves.Another option is to save up and make a break into real estate as a sales agent or property manager.

But there is gratification in investment success that far outweighs the "dreamhome" mentality, your peers will see you making sacrifices that will enable your "dream lifestyle" and your once thought dream home will have no comparison to the home you could potentially acquire through making smart decisions early.

Lastly, the old "due on sale" clause that technically enables the bank to require you to payoff the mortgage when you transfer ownership of the asset.

Identify a property that needs work on the MLS and purchase as a primary residence (which enables the best possible financing terms) - move in & make repairs (that can be financed into the loan).

Non QM and DSCR lenders have more flexibility and a wide array of lending products that do not fall into the same bucket as the government restricted products that you are talking about.Secondly, there are some strategies which enable long term financing sooner...  

I had to enable report sharing setting under the sharing options.

I am interested in working for a title company, property management company, commercial real estate brokerage.. really anything that will enable me to inundate myself in the business and soak up knowledge.