I like this better than 3.5% down FHA because the only way to get rid of FHA MI on that place you purchased 2 houses ago... is going to be to refinance into investment property financing with the higher rate. 5% down fannie also opens the door to houses with a lot of sweat equity potential, since you're going to be living there anyways.

Yeah if you have limited, money maybe you can pull off a HML, but if you have no money find a partner do the sweat equity, and do a few deals like that till you build a little wealth to do it on your own.

We spent that time pouring our blood, sweat, and tears (all literal) into the property, and recently listed it for sale prior to our military move.

You've got a huge advantage that you know construction so you can put some sweat equity and grow your portfolio further.

Do some research and it will be a LOT cheaper if you can put in some sweat equity.

So for me lease to own is not an exit strategy its a rental lease strategy and if you get them to do some sweat equity or keep better care that's the up side..  

The closer you are to the main tourist strip (Thames st) the more prices begin to make you sweat.

I don't know why this infatuation with the word "intern" and "free"If you are 18-21 with no experience, no knowledge, nothing except to offer "sweat" equity - you would qualify as an intern - paid or not.   

Not to mention the amount of personal time, stress, sweat, and personal labor costs that I went through on this house. 

Buy on the low end of your budget and put some sweat equity into it.