You most definitely can go in on a Fourplex with 3.5% down, primary residence, living in one of the units, find out what purchase power you have, and what the rent rolls for the other units will be to determine your cash flow. 

I am a new investor and I am in the process of purchasing a property with my Heloc (7.75% fixed for 60 mo).

Most of the labor expenses I have budgeted for to outsource when I purchased the property.

I currently live in my house in SW Washington that I purchased with a USDA loan in 2013.

Real estate investors rely on cap rates to analyze deals and compare potential returns before making a purchase.🔍 Understanding Cap Rate:- On the surface, the cap rate is one of the best ways to determine whether a deal is worth pursuing.

And with no intention of being a wet blanket...In my experience, most US citizens invest in US properties, even when living in Japan. 

I didn't want to, but I am considering self-managing my newly-purchased SFR in Cleveland (I'm located in CT). 

Make the purchase then convert to SBA loan. 

Purchase price: $170,000 Cash invested: $150,000 Renovation and hold plan.

They told us the price of the renovations would be included in the purchase of the home and we were nieve enoough to believe them.