I currently have a HELOC for $33k on my former primary residence which is now an investment property.  

You can purchase 2-4 multi unit under Home possible for primary residence. 3% down payment should be seasoned and rest can be gift.  5% is minimum requirement  for Home Possible. 

I would suggest to take a HELOC on your primary residence in first or 2nd lien position, it's much easier than getting a loan on investment property.

But if you are a US citizen with no family connections to Europe/UK, it's going to be hard to obtain residence and work authorization.  

Looking for any and all advice on getting into real estate in the greater Seattle area I'm brand new at this and have a long way to go till I purchase my first investment however my first I plan on being a duplex or larger multiplex to reside in one of the units while I work towards more property's.

Originally posted by @Caleb Heimsoth:As a recent beginner myself, I'd recommend starting with single family and slowing working up from there As primary residence?

Currently looking for a multi-family as my primary residence.

Purchased a primary residence, rent the top floor on AirBNB and after one month of the listing being up (3 reviews, only iPhone photos used), the AirBNB income has me almost cash-flow neutral on my mortgage.

depending on when you actually stopped living in the home you may still get the sale of primary residence exclusion.

All the properties I identified are no longer available.The obvious solution is to use the 180 days for all hurricane repairs to be completed prior to closing etc etc.