This does not involve the utility company meaning that you will still have to go into the property, read the meters, then individually bill each tenant for their usage and understand the bill is still in your name.

It works great for many people -- not me -- but it might be your best option considering your distance. 

Great question - 20% down is the typical down payment for investment properties, regardless if it's a single family, duplex, tri or quad.We have a 15% down option for the same type of loan.

Legal and Regulatory HurdlesReal estate transactions involve legal complexities that can overwhelm newcomers.Solution: Learn about legal requirements early on and seek professional advice when needed.

I am able to do majority of the work involved and have been in trades for over ten years.

Another option is a DSCR loan where some lenders have shorter seasoning or waiting periods- I've seen some that are three months which can make a big difference for an investor getting cash out of a deal and using it on a new project.More info on DSCR loans: DSCR loans won't use your income to underwrite the loan.

It's better to be honest with your current lender and all parties involved in the transaction, than to risk losing your EMD and falling out with lender Bs false promises.

DSCR Loans: What Are They And How To Get The Best Termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/...DSCR Loans: How To Use Pro Strategies To Save More And Make Morehttps://www.biggerpockets.com/...Multifamily DSCR Loans: A New High-Impact Loan Option For Real Estate Investors?

If house hacking isn't the best option for me, how would you recommend starting out to build up some investments.

There are some people that get lucky and earn cash quickly, but they generally hide the fact that it was pure luck or how much work was involved.