With owner financing, you can usually put a smaller down payment down (15% or so) to get in, then drive the value through improvements or rent increases to market.I always look for light to improvements and mostly rent increases with month to month leases or vacancies to get the best deals that I can move the rents faster. 

Specifically: skipping RLMO, having a balloon payment, and prepayment penalties.

Depending on the loan product used - to purchase a non owner occupied investment property you will need a 15-20% down payment plus closing costs.

I'm current on my loan and have never been late or missed a payment.  

Of course, the rate can be slightly steeper than the conventional loans where it is a full document loan, where they need to qualify you based on your income.Alternative way, is to acquire the 2nd property as an investment property with conventional, while putting 15%-25% down payment.

It is a possibility that my Mother would at this stage gift me the down payment to take on a second primary residence loan but we are still discussing. 

In other words, it’s income that you earn passively with minimal effort and involvement.Strategies To Generate Passive Income1.Rental PropertiesRental properties can provide a steady stream of passive income through rent payments from tenants.

The larger downpayment you can put down the lower your payment will be and ultimately will save you thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest.

If you are the buyer, payment is YOUR responsibility regardless of whether the seller provides the funds to pay your agent or not.With all that said, the real estate agent is providing a service for you that MAY net you more cash in the long run.

With a substantial down payment, targeting the suggested price range within Raleigh limits is not only possible but strategic, considering the city's job growth and vibrant community.However, as you've wisely pointed out, the expansion towards outlying areas like Selma/Smithfield and Benson brings both opportunities and challenges.