I am currently based in Canada and am looking to embark on my real estate investment journey in the United States, specifically focusing on multifamily properties. 

My credit should be the highest allowable also and I shouldn't have problems with approval.Ok, i shopped about 80 lenders (based on Fridays rates, market is closed so no live pricing)Conventional Full Doc loan you would be at 7.875% if you put 20% down (you said what the house was worth, but not your purchase price). 

Based on some of the research done, I am inclined towards starting out with a small multi family investment property (2-4 multi family home).

It is DSCR based and no personal tax returns are required to qualify.

That way you have a home base that isn't sitting vacant and you are producing income. 

For now, consult a CPA to determine the best structure based on your income and investment goals.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Real estate is not my of my knowledge base at all but I want to start working on building passive income now (I’m 44). 

Bigger Pockets is a great place to learn and connect with fellow investors.I’m an investor based out of Columbus, OH.

In my flips I want to make sure permits are pulled and everything is above board on my flips...would there be pushback against my thinking based on your experience with this?

Since you’re based in NY, Detroit is just a short flight away, making it feasible to visit and get a feel for the market and the team you’d be working with.That said, I’ve worked with plenty of investors who have never actually visited and still built successful portfolios—it really comes down to having the right boots on the ground.