FHA is only really the better option for poor credit - otherwise a 5% down conventional loan is cheaper and less stringent.

Did you know that you can acquire your a primary residence from up to 1-4 units for as low as 5% with conventional.

BUT I still understand the point that most people made, these are not concrete/stick built structures with conventional building methods, and it is owner/operator, and it's a volatile industry, and its 50min from the Gatlinburg hotspot, and the main house is a double wide, etc.I guess my dream would be that an owner that wants to live and work in one place can buy this property, live in the main house and self manage the property.

If you can find smaller local banks in the market you pick they may have more unique products that they keep on their balance sheet or try and do the 5% down conventional on a 4-unit  FHA's self-sufficiency test applies to both 3 and 4-unit properties.

You can use DSCR cash out or conventional cash out on your rental property to continue expanding your rental portfolio.

I've reached out to lenders here on Bigger Pockets- but their rates & terms seem high (DSCR or just not good terms)- I qualify for a conventional loan, but my DTI is almost maxed so why pay an extra 2-3% DSCR when I don't have too. 

To do a cash out refinance now with conventional financing, you have to wait until the loan being paid off is 12 months old! 

My latest property is my condo in California which I purchased for 110K with a conventional mortgage and 20%.

Finance your first duplex or triplex through FHA Loan, Conventional Loan, Owner-Occupied Financing, and Portland-specific programs.

Sure if you dont have your own 3-5% down payment then yes use DPA if you really want to buy.After going over the pros and cons typically our FTHB'ers or first time home buyers end up getting a gift or bring in their own 1-2% down + 1-3% gift and end up with 3-5% down payment and borrow at regular FHA/conventional rates (avoid the DPA program rates).This is actual experience.