I've crunched the numbers and if I could purchase three four-plexes in the next ten years, that would give me the financial independence I'm looking for."2.

If you decide to proceed with the purchase, make sure you inspect the property very well, top to bottom......OR.....There may be NOTHING wrong the the property and the Seller wants to sell it vacant so that he gets top dollar. 

Everyone has different purchase points. 

@Sam ChicquenSam, little late to this but I’m an investor/agent based out of Tampa Florida.I like Tampa and the surrounding markets for its cash flow and appreciation potential.There are still a ton of mom and pop investors that own commercial multi (5+) and I’ve had some good luck connecting with these owners and purchasing from them.The last deal I did was a commercial off-market value-add multifamily and was able to secure seller financing.Downside is flood insurance has gone crazy down here and can really kill some deals.Happy to help you with your search.

My husband and I were looking to purchase a house in Mountain Home, Arkansas. 

That ensures you don't spend it on other things and know exactly how much you have to spend on the next purchase.

  $5k to help with our home purchase. 

Here goes: I've just purchased my fifth contract-for-deed (CFD) and I'm now on a timeline where I save up and buy a new CFD every three months. 

Contract is a normal purchase and sale.

If for example each lot is $50k and the cost to build the road is $5k and selling costs is $3k and $1k cost to hold the additional lot then you get $1k for the effort and risk of the purchase.