Quote from @Colton Bridges: I recently bought a duplex that I plan to convert to a fourplex.

Our goal is to bridge the gap between real estate investors and tax & financial advisors who truly get the nuances of REI.This tool is all about connecting folks like you with advisors who aren't just about managing investments or doing basic tax returns.

Ask your lender about a bridge loan....

There are some that are great for sure, but I have currently heard terrible stories about people putting money in the last 2-3 years and losing it all, capital calls and losing the whole deal due to bad bridge loans (some coming do very soon). 

I was thinking a bridge loan might be an option , and then refi it later and pay back the bridge loan,  but I'm waiting for lenders to reach back out and run some numbers.

I would hesitate to tell you to burn bridges, and to break deals off.

The 9-5 income can also be a bridge for you that lenders like to see to help you with your first acquisition. 

But most of these bridge loans have future funding components where the lender will fund renovation work as the work is completed and add that to the loan balance. 

The other route you can look into is purchase+rehab loans if it's going to be a primary, if it's an investment then using hard money, bridge loan, or DSCR.

The biggest thing is finding a great investor agent who can help bridge the gap and is looking out for your best interest.