@Meena MallikFrom my experience, securing financing for commercial real estate involves understanding your options, such as conventional loans, commercial loans, private lenders, or partnerships.

Cash on hand and conventional mortgage Lessons learned?

I actually used to have a game modeled after Monopoly that was called Slumlord😂 same type of antics with buying property, maintenance cards, dealing with code enforcement etc… Bought it at a real estate convention 

These markets often have strong population and job growth and strong rental demand.But the reality is that even in more affordable markets like Columbus, you'll need about $50k-60k household income just to qualify for a conventional investment property loan (this assumes good credit and reasonable debt).

Sounds like if I stay conventional then my best rates will no doubt be the 25% down options. 

Pros of RE:- leverage (can house hack and put 3.5% down FHA, 5% or 10% down conventional loan if you live in one of the units, 2 to 4 unit or buy single family, live in it and rent out each room and buy a $500,000 or $1 million asset).

I would just start out by meeting with bankers, telling them your goals and mentioning some of the ideas you had(FHA vs conventional) and ask for their advice.

Typically it's 10% down for vacation homes for Conventional

I can buy investment RE but due to crazy bad DTI (far worse than 100 to 1, possibly approaching 500 to 1), I cannot get reasonable financing on an OO and not sure my co-sign will help on conventional financing.  

Regardless if it is a private money or conventional deal.