@Karter RingstaffYou should have no problem getting HM financing as a first time investor as long as you have good credit and reserves. 

I'd also get familiar with creative financing structures like Sub2, novations, or seller finance. 

I am learning a lot    I agree but in todays world where "seller financing" and creative financing are the next big thing, MOST of those situations neither party is getting title insurance.Here is an instance where I bought a property and had a title claim.

Search for regions that are seeing increases in employment, population, and economic prosperity.Discover your alternatives for financing multifamily real estate.

Another strategy involves a hard money loan for a short-term down payment (bridge loan), followed by refinancing with conventional financing later.

It was cash flowing until now when I have to re-finance at higher rate.

I'm unsure how financing works for buying a portfolio as most of the units are condominiums scattered amongst the county.

Unless you plan on purchasing the property with all cash; obtaining any type of financing for a property as a married couple will mean that both of your incomes and financials will be factored into the financing with conventional lending.

Their finance terms are often worse than property acquisition.  

Borrower has no skin in the game because fully financed so higher risk for lender