Richard,You can buy the home using conventional financing as an investment as long as the property does not have any major damage. 

Hey all,I'm just getting started with out-of-state real estate investing and I'm curious about which style of loan to look for.Do I stick to a conventional loan while I'm learning or go straight for the more "investor-friendly" loans such as "Fix to Rent", "Stable Bridge", "Multifamily Value Add". etc.I am focusing on small multifamily properties (2-4 units), but I am also taking a look at some single family properties as well.An additional question would be whether I speak with national lenders like BiggerPockets partner lenders or focus on lenders in the area I'd like to purchase (San Antonio). 

At this point, I don't know if I should continue looking or go for a conventional loan and buy a cheap SFH live there for a year, move out and rent it, but that would mean that I have to pay the mortgage for a whole year and that would prevent me from saving as much as possible for the next investment.Basically, my plan is to create a new source of additional income and I believe real estate is a good way to achieve that.

An institution, whether you are using "conventional" or "portfolio" style of money should have better terms and MORE money for you than any private lenders.  

I’ve got to get this monthlY payment down to create more cash flow - I like the idea of a HELOC -  My broker is suggesting I refinance to conventional and take out a HELOC Simultaneously -My goal is to decrease the original mortgage payment and use some of the equity to purchase another home.Any words of wisdom and experience are appreciated :)

When you refi into a conventional loan you will still need 20% down.

Then once you finish the rehab, you can do a rate and term refi (NOT CASH OUT REFI) the second you finish the rehab, no seasoning period.Get conventional rate and term refi done, lowest available rates. 

If you’re residing in one space and renting out the other space, do you have to apply for an investment property loan or will a conventional loan work?

Non-owner occupied (aka I do not intend to live in the property) loans are typically 20% or more down conventional loans.FSBO?

Do I use hard money then refinance out of it with a lower rate/conventional once I have all the tenets in the building?