If you don't take the FHA route, you can expect to have to put close to 20-25% down if you finance through a bank or commercial lender.If you have a steady w2 job, some savings for a downpayment, and the price is right, I believe acquiring a loan for a fourplex shouldn't be too difficult!

The reasoning presented is to take advantage of the deductions as a business as they would exceed any tax savings as individuals... again not sure?

Im looking to buy my 3rd property with some vangaurd index funds i have saved up.

If you have $30k to invest my main question would be is that your savings or do you have a large amount of other savings/investments available?

It is a sophisticated and powerful retirement plan that puts you directly in control of your retirement savings, and directly responsible for adhering to IRS rules.  

Buying in bulk usually saves.

Pay off current mortgage, save frivolously, seek other purchases, etc.I'm looking for some advice and direction from some similar experiences here within the BP community.

Perhaps the ideal layout to maximize the lot would be something like this image:My question is:  can I build 2 duplex's, one on each side facing the street ?

I have no other debt.I currently invest 50% of my income into an S&P 500 ETF as a way to save capital for my next investment without losing money to appreciation in a standard savings accountSo given that, here are some options I am considering:1. 

Saves some time.