I just recently helped him get his GC license so finding a contractor is not an issue.

I was recently laid off from my job and have three issues: 1) No way to get a conventional mortgage 2) Need a place to live, and an advantage: sizeable savings on stock, bonds.I want to start investing in RE (ideally multifamilys), but for now I want to start small: buy a condo to live in, and [whenever I buy a multifamily I could move to] rent it.I would like to evaluate my high-level strategy, and get your comments:* [Soon] Get a "securities line of credit" worth around 15% of my savings.

There are cheaper one’s in D/F areas but I would be careful as those can create a laundry list of additional issues.

This way each is a separate agreement and they are renting the bedroom with shared common areas.

@Joseph McElmeelHey JosephThe fha has a lending requirement for fourplexes that could cause you issues and that is the self sufficiency test.

It is not illegal to cash a check issued to your name, in the case of the accounting firm.

Location is no longer an issue, you may contact them directly. 

For example, a quiet neighborhood that used to be a busy factory area might have hidden issues, like pollution.

@Jen BreyslerThis post answers your question if you scroll down through comments to my reply:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51-tax-legal-issues-con...

Additionally, consider using a secure payment method for the deposit to prevent issues.