The rents/HOA dues compared to the listing prices (140k-220k) make it seem like an easy entry point into real estate with relatively low risk since I will live there initially and a large portion of the property is taken care of.

Commercial loans tend to be 20-25 year term loans with a 5 year balloon (meaning your rate/payment structure must be redone every 5 years).Looking at the Fannie Mae eligibility matrix, you should be able to go as low as 15% for a single family investment property and as low as 25% for a multifamily.  

Hi, I've been a member for about a year and a half and an investor for many years.

Welcome Tim,I have a couple new construction projects winding down in San Antonio, a duplex in NW and a fourplex in NE, both solid locations.  

I've seen posts on craigslist similar to car wraps but not quite as extensive but they were looking for people willing to have an advertisement put on the back window of their car stating something along the lines of "We Buy Houses" with a few bullet points and a number.  

And as always.... read, read, read!!

I have given a card and candy at xmas and a baby gift for there new born (high risk pregnancy) but I only have 1 rental. 

My ex let our old home and bed and breakfast were foreclosed on during my divorce, if I'd had the knowledge two years ago that I do now, I would have taken them from her and converted to 4-plex and a single family residence that would have cash flowed as well (but that goes in the lessons learned file).

It can offer high returns if you have a solid strategy and a solid team behind you. 

. :) I've had plenty of terrible landlords in the past and a couple of good ones.