Each phase has a different type of funding, and each type of funding has different funding sources that prefer to fund that phase.In the initial acquisition phase of a deal, it could be that you’re buying raw land with the intent to develop it.

As Joel Owens said, his friends take the long term approach, when I invest in the market, I invest with the intent that these companies will be around for the next hundred years, and I conduct research based off of decade averages as Warren Buffet does, does that mean you will get the same performance, no it doesn't, but it does tell me the company has strong stability and growth.

You can frame it as a short term investment with the intent of refinancing via conventional means after the property is performing (assuming you are looking for a multi-family rental). 

It's my intent that if maybe u live in my area, aside from finding a reliable mentor, maybe u & I could link up, you know, have a formal intro.

My boyfriend and I have no intention of getting married.  

Hey @David Le, I am a newbie too, but I thought I would share what little experience I have with you since we are similar in goals and location.If you are intent on staying in Southern California, you may have to start looking in rural areas to find a property that you can owner-occupy with FHA financing.

Do you have any intent on living in 1 of the units while renting the others?  

Start again with new tenant buyers with honest intentions of selling the home.Seller financing:  You're the bank, large down payment, higher interest rate than if they could go to the bank...until they can get there own mortgage.Please read up on "Creative Financing!!"

cause thsts my intention it will be my home not for an investment 

My intent was to continue with that strategy to infinity but you will quickly find that it is very difficult to make the numbers work when you are doing 100% financing.