But regardless of what I have saved and have in investments I keep hearing that without a W2 conventional lenders have their hands tied by Fannie and Freddie. 

I'm curious on people's opinions between commerical loans with variable rates over 25 years vs conventional fixed rate mortgage over 30 years when looking at SFR and small (duplex/triplex) MFR.

So get this done asap.Next, the thing to look for is a "non-conventional" lender...or a "portfolio" loan or "commercial" style loan. 

Land purchase of a 0.11 acre, R-2 lot was used as downpayment for a conventional mortgage.

You can get a conventional loan for 3.5% down or maybe even 3% down depending on your finances. 

@Leah C Ogren you can get a conventional or FHA renovation refi where the hole in the wall wouldn’t necessarily hurt you.

However, I did want to know for when the time comes, a bit more about conventional loans in CT.

We own 3 properties:3 unit, ( 3 2BR, 1 BA units) purchased in July 2019 for 657k. 3.75% conventional, 30 year fixed, 5% down.

@Michael Lightwood I believe the best way to get started is by purchasing a house hack in which you rent out rooms to cover the mortgage or rent out a side or two of a duplex/triplex, using a primary residence loan 3-5% down conventional.

On the other hand, you can use conventional financing on the duplexes.