The down payments on those are at least 35%.As @Dave Van Horn points out, if you stay with 1-4 unit properties you can get conventional, 30 year fixed rate financing.

It is our job to bring them together and stay out of their money.I too like the postcard and thought it was a great solution, but there are a lot of people telling me the same thing.

The allure will stay nicer and last longer than wood but it sounds like you are tending toward treating this more as a personal home than a rental.

I can only do showings after work hours when my husband is able to stay with my daughter, or I have to bring her with me (like I'm doing today).

Some benefits I have noticed while househacking in my triplex:- I am at the property daily and can stay up on any maintenance and issues without having to remember to drive by or check in with a property manager- Rent collection is as simple as a door knock.- Tenants generally will be less inclined to try any funny business because they know you are right next door (or above/below them)- It's more conducive for learning as you go.- More favorable loan and insurance terms for an owner occupied property.There are also downsides such as:- Less privacy- Blurring of the landlord vs neighbor relationship- Can be harder to be the "bad guy" on things because you see your tenants often.

Ive been on bigger pockets for a month and a half now and have gotten my arsh handed to me quite a few times by the vets and recommend you stay on here for a while and ask about finding good deals and the real costs that go into buying a property because i know i was shocked to learn those.

I would join as many MF groups and stay engaged on BP (as you are.)The other thing to remember is that there are only two types of people 1. those in real estate and 2. those who want to be.

The only suggestion I would give you is to stay at 3 units or less in Oakland. 

Well as of right now we have a place to stay but we are definitely interested buying a place to rent out to others. 

But like to keep myself sharp by staying tuned to the market.