Your spouse can borrow with you, but not typically others, i.e. you can't usually bring on your buddy who's not a veteran, as your partner in the deal.

A buddy of mine just lost well over $15k on an out of state rehab, and he's a savvy investor that owns 8 properties in state.A 3.5% FHA owner occupied loan on a FourPlex is easy money - @Todd Powell just dropped literally the most powerful early investor strategy on you, don't write it off so quickly.

My initial plan was to purchase a Multi family home, or single resident home near green lake area and rent that out to the buddies I currently live with from college until we move out.

Hi Linda Devlin - Welcome to BP.A buddy of mine owns a few student rentals in Pittsburgh (around Pitt).

They do require a License for electrical and plumbing though so your buddy is operating illegally in case you didn't know (?).

@Esh MasseyWelcome.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.I spoke yesterdy to a buddy in Philly he is killing it in socialized housing where the rent can be 2-4 times more.

So the cost only goes up with labor if I get my buddy for two weeks.

I'd also have a buddy come help move all of her stuff and get her settled.Business and ethics seem to but heads sometimes but I somewhat believe in the golden rule or karma. 

Did one note with a BP buddy and one small assignment with another.

Should I just shop around on my first deal and try to stick with one lender and become buddies?