Get as much credit as you can with lines of credit has been my strategy since my first purchase, just requires serious discipline to not go buy the flashy car or boat while having that line of credit available to you.Cash availability and ability to close quickly puts you in the drivers seat in the negotiation process. 

For a more long-term, appreciation based approach, look for economic drivers.

Come to Columbus, there are still 1% deals, but the more attractive part is the population growth and other economic drivers!

You need to have those utilities in your name, your drivers license and owners registration need to be that address, your voter registration needs to be that address, your Federal and state income tax returns need to be that address, etc. etc. etc.Don't play games or you could be a felonFHA mortgages are only for owner occupied properties, up to 4 units, you must occupy one for at least 1 year, after that you can move.There's other ways to legally have low down on an investment property, seller second being just one method.

Hire maids , landscapers . maybe a driver .   

Income is always the biggest driver to increase wealth at the beginning, and this seems like a great transition.

Climate and culture are both major drivers of where people decide to live.

I'm in a totally different market with different drivers, different housing prices and different rental considerations.

It is your drivers license address.

He started off driving cabs, got a medallion, then hired drivers to drive his cab when he dived into his next business, shoe stores.