Other parts of Florida are also very low cost of living.2)  In smaller increments than a typical down payment you can get RE syndication shares with a pretty decent cash flow.3)  You can use the Nomad strategy to buy as owner-occupier serially with lower down payment (FTHB, 3.5% FHA, or 5% conventional OO). 

Once you refi to that conventional loan, you can start over.

Cash for down payment and reno -Conventional Loan How did you add value to the deal?

I'm trying to determine the most efficient way to finance my investment properties and would like to use conventional financing if it's available. 

Need to go conventional with MANUFACTURED home (double wide after 1976) The county or city may restrict the type of foundation: pier, auger, blocks, concrete BUT it must be permanent.

Additionally, if you look to finance other properties with a conventional loan (or any loan that looks at your DTI), it's best to have the 30 year payment instead of the higher 15 year payment.

I bought my first property a month ago, a 3x2 SFH, with a 5% down owner occupant conventional loan.

Or get a 3-5% conventional loan to buy a SFH and house hack buying every year while building enough equity to get into bigger deals.

We are looking to use a conventional loan with a smal down payment to maintain our cash reserves.

Kevin, It's tough because your rate is really good on the first, however you do need to refinance that VA loan into a conventional loan to free up your VA entitlement.