from those I know the way they got going was to buy a 4 plex when it went up in value sell and buy an 8 when it went up sell buy a 16  then a 40 then 100 extra and you need no partners.. you grow it organically. however of course this is not pay 40k and your instantly an apartment owner..

Would love to hear form some Multi-Family owners/operators in these markets about pros/cons and specifically neighborhoods to avoid.My wife and I have been to Columbia SC many times and, while we have never been to Little Rock Arkansas, we plan on going in Late March! 

Up until November, actively licensed VRD (Vacation Rental Dwellings) could transfer one time to the new owner.

YOU ARE A PROPERTY OWNER!

This sounds a lot easier than trying to buy with no money down with private money, especially for owner occupied residency

I have been digesting all things Real Estate so right now I am working to lower my DTI while saving at least 6-7% for the Owner Occupant down payment (to include closing cost, etc.).

I suspect maximizing the investment might make it slightly less desirable as an owner or at least the renovations might have lower ROI if sold to a homeowner.

Roofstock, the property owner or the property buyer?  

His "owner occupied" loan application is ok if he intended to live there when he applied.

DSCR/hard money are non owner occupy loans.If you decide to do FHA203K for the first home - a 203K consultant/inspector will be required for the standard 203k loan, you will unlikely be able to serve as GC and you sign a 1 year occupany affidavit.