Looking 30+ years into the future, those reasons (location relative to me, within budget, can cut costs by living in the unit while renovating, amenities) all seem very relevant to me so I disagree there.. but to answer your other questions, I could afford to place up to 50% of the cost of a property as a down payment if needed.. but ideally I'd be able to borrow more / place a lower down payment.

Hey all,I'm just getting started with out-of-state real estate investing and I'm curious about which style of loan to look for.Do I stick to a conventional loan while I'm learning or go straight for the more "investor-friendly" loans such as "Fix to Rent", "Stable Bridge", "Multifamily Value Add". etc.I am focusing on small multifamily properties (2-4 units), but I am also taking a look at some single family properties as well.An additional question would be whether I speak with national lenders like BiggerPockets partner lenders or focus on lenders in the area I'd like to purchase (San Antonio). 

Fortunately, I was occupying the property at the time and knew the trades so was able to cut some costs.

The more you gather from people on this site and that have a lot of experiences in the places you want to go, then you will grow to a bigger and better place.I would suggest, pick that market you want to be in, dive straight into without holding back, and then you will turn around and be glad you did.

Maybe hook up with another local investor and bring him a great deal that he will cut you in on (like a finders fee or percentage?)

You may find out the effort is not worth what your cut is after a year or so of doing this.

I recently did a complete remodel on the entire property and because of that my insurance just was cut in half by State Farm!

As far as underwriting/occupancy conventional is the only one above that would allow for a straight non OO investment purchase, FHA/VA are only for properties you intend to purchase and then occupy.

If it's a straight R10 and the zoning hasn't changed then there shouldn't be a problem unless it's in some sort of a UZO or historic.It needs to be min 10k square feet lot size. 

@Maksu Ize Thanks for a straightforward and clear-cut answer.