Thank you in advance for helping me on this topic.  

Sometimes that can work for people trying to acquire multi units for themselves but that is another topic.

Here is a good discussion on the topic which you may find helpful:https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

here is another discussion on the same but different topic... you might find this usefulhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/...

I'm going to look around the site and will be attending tomorrow's event on this topic. 

I know there are different rules and personal preferences on this topic but I wanted to see what the general consensus was for my goals/objectives and the pros/cons of putting a small or large downpayment.This would be my first house and, since I'm currently renting, it would be a place I would staying in.

I appreciate any thoughts on this topic!

Even if somebody has "answered" the question before, a lot of times topics in REI have multiple perspectives and evolve over time, so it's great to "refresh" that conversation.  

One topic that's been on my mind has to do with FHA loans.

If you have any doubts....here's the exact verbiage from Fannie Mae:B3-4.3-15, Borrowed Funds Secured by an Asset IntroductionThis topic contains information on borrowed funds secured by an asset, including:• Borrowed Funds Secured by an Asset• Secured Loans as Debt• Reducing the Asset by the Amount Borrowed• Documentation RequirementsBorrowed Funds Secured by an AssetBorrowed funds secured by an asset are an acceptable source of funds for the down payment, closing costs, and reserves, since borrowed funds secured by an asset represent a return of equity.Assets that may be used to secure funds include automobiles, artwork, collectibles, real estate, or financial assets, such as savings accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, and 401(k) accounts.Secured Loans as DebtWhen qualifying the borrower, the lender must consider monthly payments for secured loans as a debt.If a secured loan does not require monthly payments, the lender must calculate an equivalent amount and consider that amount as a recurring debt.When loans are secured by the borrower’s financial assets, monthly payments for the loan do not have to be considered as long-term debt.Reducing the Asset by the Amount BorrowedIf the borrower uses the same financial asset as part of his or her financial reserves, the lender must reduce the value of the asset by the amount of proceeds and related fees for the secured loan.Documentation RequirementsThe lender must document the following:• the terms of the secured loan,• evidence that the party providing the secured loan is not a party to the sale, and• evidence that the funds have been transferred to the borrower