An engineer's mind may need higher control over investment :))) let's check on the scenario of independent investing: with 40K down and conventional mortgage you could get a decent quality old duplex in the good location of Midwest. 

I'm not going to name specific markets but there are a LOT of cities throughout the US within geographic boundaries that are often very close to each other, that have extreme disparities in income, educational attainment, safety, etc. 

Assuming you are flexible on location, the way to go is looking outside of the Boston-Cambridge-Somerville area - as many people have already mentioned.

Where are you located?

@Jenny Gremillion  Can't hurt to run it by her to ascertain her comfort level.There's CPAs all over the country who are familiar with not only federal tax law, but state and local tax law outside of their geographical location.No need to limit yourself to where the property is located. 

Lastly, I operate here in Columbus so shoot me a PM or give me a call to discuss the location of the properties.

This property is in a very desirable location, so with any luck, they'll be filled quickly.Thanks again!

I thought I saw a BP group meet up for the last Wednesday of the month, but I haven’t been able to locate that thread again to check time/place.

They will not move to the next step of qualifying your propriety for the loan, if the contractual agreement is signed that uou will pay $3k for tools that’s include access to a app that shows all pre-closures, foreclosures etc mapped geographically.

Where exactly in SD is your property located?