However this does come with some restrictions; which I'll use to lead into the disadvantages of staging (or when you shouldn't stage). 

Also, I know it may depends on what my plan is (hold vs sell) but also possible advantages and disadvantages of converting it from a 4 to 5 unit.

The disadvantage of crowdsourcing I believe is that you can't leverage it.We could consider an actual real estate property, but we live in Boston where prices are insane so we'd be looking out of state.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages so the best is really going to be based on your risk tolerance for interest rate movements as well as the other items I mentioned.

A quick facts breakdown:- Property: Triplex, looking to owner occupy and rent other units- Market: downtown Chicago- Financing: Pre-approval for 3.5% down FHA available and givenI really want this deal to work out but feel as if I'm at a disadvantage using FHA financing.

Advantages and disadvantages?

You'll get certain advantages and disadvantages at every stage, but as long as you just keep at it consistently over years, it will be worth it, as long as you're buying deals where the numbers make sense.

As well if you cannot do alot of this work yourself you are at a HUGE disadvantage.

You need to list all the advantages and disadvantages of both, and make a decision.

Calling them first will put you at a big disadvantage.