I think it's very difficult to sell an unfinished property to a retail buyer.

Although, I have to say it's quite simple, but yes, it's the simplest things that are often the most difficult.  

The investors have been very difficult to work with from the very beginning with grinding us down on our prices to a very very slim profit margin (almost making the job not worth taking but we got so far in deep we accepted any way).We originally asked for a 50% deposit prior to work starting as we have never worked with this particular investor and then we would collect the remaining balance once work has been completed.They had two other bids but decided to go with us because of the quality of our work as showcased in the portfolio we presented to them.Well, they managed to get us down to 25% of deposit (initially they asked for 10%).

My wife and I are in the process of taking online real estate courses but working full time jobs and three smaller kids, its difficult to complete and retain information.The goal is to start small and then invest in more multi-family home.

Short Answer: Yes it is possible to finance a multifamily property with less than 20% down, but it might be difficult and could require some creative financing.

If you want to own 25 for example, you need to find a market that will supply you with properties at that $800/month level.I know that here in SE MI, you're $20k/month 5 year plan isn't too difficult, but you need a plan...and you have to stick with that plan.

The circuitry is not difficult to understand or follow.For any action you take in real  estate thee will be a reaction, that's part of the circuitry.

Very difficult having both markets at your fingertips. 

The word is they are extremely difficult to sell in most areas and have very low resale value.

Seems quite difficult to find anything near the NYC area.