@James Tobin  yes FHA will be a very low downpayment option for you.

 Seller isn't budgeting on the 1.25M asking price.

it is not user friendly at all.

Even though the budget of the project will be about 4 times of where I was looking to start with a fix and flip, MF financing looks very encouraging and a silver lining.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Close friends?

I've read BiggerPockets' Real Estate Investing book and am particularly interested in the house hacking strategy, as I'd like to move out of my current living situation.Our main dilemma is choosing between a single-family home (renting out one room to a close friend) or a multifamily property like a duplex or triplex.

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

It's best to reach out to multiple lenders to explore your options.

I always found QB to be clunky, not user friendly and just kind of overkill.