Or there is a version for 2 to 4 unit small buildings as well but then down payment grows to 25%.Or if you agree to live in it for 12 months you can do it as an FHA 203k rehab loan with as little as 3.50% down on 1 to 4 unit properties and use future rents to qualify for the loan size needed.

My concern for you would be exactly that - building it so big that it does turn into a monster you can't manage or grow, because the business systems aren't set up optimally.

We have supported as lender when folks purchased for $17,000 and sold for $30,000 same day.The flipping, land lording might need some cash of your own; even though you can get lender involved for portion of it.There are other tweaks and variations on real estate; which you can explore as well.See what works best for your situation and change as you grow.

I, personally, would like to grow my business and at the point I am at, I basically need to start a property management company to accomplish this.Seems like a win-win scenario if properly structured.Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to growing with you guys. 

If you are looking at duplexes... check out New Braunfels... decent prices (lot less than Austin) and growing market.

@Kevin MasonNotes and lending to other established real estate investors can be a good way to passively grow the account balance.

You want a market that is growing and diverse.5.

My goal was to buy single family homes in distressed properties ( short sales, or NOD leads by calling home owners and seeing if they want to sell before they go into foreclosure)  in a growing population area with strong job growth and buy, add value , and rent them out for tiny bits of cashflow and wait for appreciation. 2 main questions I have at the moment. 1) How did you pick your market to buy your first investment? 

Note: I have a great job and will be investing capital of my own, I’m looking at the long term equity gains of using someones capital to grow quickly, I can also pay his cash flow out of pocket if I get in a bind, so I’m not worried about falling through on my contract to give 10%, which really is very achievable.