I’ve been saving aggressively to buy a multi-family since, but I was wondering if anyone had some creative strategies to take advantage of some of the loan programs so that I don’t need so much upfront.

Used VA loan program.

It takes them filling out the paperwork first, then you fill out your part.There should be a site in your state just for this, Im in Florida, so not sure of yours, but Google this;federally-funded emergency rental assistance relief program to support residents and businesses as they continue to recover and rebuild.Good luck!

Just like the Section 8 program.

Otherwise, your options are DSCR loans, private and hard money, or any other non-conventional loan programs that may have lower down payment options.Happy to help with your search in Southwest Florida!

However, my wife and I were planning on buying a home and using the FHA program.

That is why the original moratorium passed was limited to properties in government programs (government backed mortgages, section 8, etc.)

You can join a master mind program though.

ESPECIALLY if your income is less than 80% of the Area Median income (AMI), you can get a Home Ready (Fannie) or Home Possible (Freddie) program which offers even better rates than regular conventional, and only requires 3% down EVEN if you're NOT a first time buyer.

It’s a staple to the MBA Real Estate program at Wharton (#1 Real Estate Program in U.S.).