But I have close to nothing to offer as collateral, and no liquidity for a down payment.I would search for an answer to this question if I could think of the right way to phrase it in a search string, it's probably a stupid question, but here goes:Would it be possible to offer something MORE secure, thus making lending to me less risky, than merely allowing them to become the 1st position lien holder?

Joel,I appreciate your answer, The intend of this office complex is medical offices, there is a Chiropractor next door and a dentist in front of the property.

@Daniel Michael KnightWhen does you salary stop becoming the only reason you get loansGreat question, salary and down payment money are really important when it comes to Fannie/Freddy loans (amongst other things, there are a couple of metrics needed to underwrite) The loan limit is 10 at the moment, so to answer your questions, when you max out your loans with conventional money.When working with local banks with portfolio loans, salary is not the ONLY reason you get loans with them: experience, net worth, equity, etc become important, and the most important I believe is relationship!

You have to figure out how to ask the right questions, and then the answers come faster than you can read.We're in Dallas.

The answer to your question is subjective.

To answer your question (and this is my take on it):  Considering you just started your Real Estate Investment firm, you may want to start small and work your way up unless you feel you can handle the greater responsibility of managing a four plex vs a single family residence.  

If you are afraid to continue, then you have your answer. 

You have podcasts, blogs, articles, even the forum has a lot of questions and good answers. 

If someone could answer my question it would help me out very much.

I was hoping maybe someone could assist me as I haven’t been able to find a clear answer online.