Do you think it's better to start sooner with a cheaper property to get in, or potentially wait longer to save more? 

With software like propstream I can even look at seller mortgage details and MLS private remark.Getting license you only know the legality aspect of being an agent but doesn't necessarily means you would be a smarter one to get to know the market.The only thing that I can not do with propstream is I can not download all disclosures when I try to purchase.

I just signed a bunch of disclosures from my lender and after reading them it has me thinking, "Is there a cheaper way to do this."

ABL, which is the basis for HML/fix and flip lending, will have different criteria and different focuses than multi-year loans based on cashflow and borrower credit score (long term mortgages).

Many of my customers who are traveling nurses buy condos or townhomes in Florida as vacation homes, then rent them out when they're not in town.This system has proven to be very lucrative, as it allows them to service the mortgage debt and generate a good cash flow.

Purchase price: $2,400,000 Sold a single-family home and did a 1031-exchange into a 5-unit building at a cheaper price.

But as far monthly payment you could easily buy a house in a cheaper location have less roommates and the same monthly payment or the same number of roommates and a lower monthly payment.

I used to cold call, skip trace, send mailers, and don't get me wrong you will get success from it like James above, however as you gain experience you will realize you need deals faster, easier, cheaper, and with more "meat on the bones" and in order to have that you need constant deals flowing through your eco system and that's hard to do with mailers, cold calls, VA's and skip tracing etc.

Get a conventional mortgage.

There is the inconvenience factor but it might be cheaper for you and your friends as well.