However, it's important to keep in mind that you should be prepared for higher interest rates and fees compared to traditional mortgages.

Creative financing includes the host of strategies beyond traditional mortgages.

While a MF or commercial property is only worth the income it produces, SF can be sold to both investors and traditional homebuyers, and can often be easier to sell (although not in my market for the past few years, small MF is moving quickly).You'll find people on BP who have generated massive wealth doing anything and everything, but you'll probably find more who've done so with MF housing.

You may pay a little more but you may find a more traditional rental is worth the higher price point. 

Are you working with a traditional bank or a mortgage lender/broker? 

I financed this deal with a traditional conventional 30 year primary residence mortgage.

Is this something worth pursuing right out of the gate or would you suggest getting experience with traditional rental properties beforehand? 

Look into a secured credit card if you're having trouble qualifying for a traditional credit card

So far I have grown using the oldest traditional way: organic grow. 

Traditional loan with 20% down and returns a nice cashflow.