However, if you intend to still help them out by paying part then you'll want to make sure you can afford your contribution, plus all existing debt service, in addition to the payments on whatever new house you find.I recommend you find a lender nearby, perhaps a community bank, and start trying to form a relationship. 

I hope I can contribute back by sharing some of my experiences.Regarding healthcare, the Microsoft plan was what I would consider a 'Cadillac' plan. 

Sellers can contribute towards bona fide closing costs but not the down payment.

HI Asha,If the property you're buying is under market it may be better to purchase using FHA depending on the condition of the property since FHA requires a very small down payment of 3.5% on 3 unit residential.This way you can go in with very little money at risk, fix/repair, and refinance into less expensive conventional financing about 7-9 months post FHA closing/rehab.The upside is you have less money at risk and you can use forced/found equity to serve in place of what would have been your contributed equity via much larger 25% down payment.

Joel I have $50,000 of my own and I have a business partner who would be willing to contribute another $50,000.....Thanks James +1

For 2014, if your combined incomes exceed 82,250, you could save the 25% tax on your TSP contribution if you used the regular (not Roth) TSP. 

I want to stress that my roof is in no way designed to put water onto his roof.If someone removed a piece of the elbow, which caused the water to dump onto his roof, which created a situation of excessive ponding that may have contributed to his roof leaks and ceiling damages. 

I hope to be able to contribute, once I learn more!

I'm hoping to help contribute to the community with my knowledge of structural engineering (I am emphasize in building design) but also take away as much information as possible as I look for my first (but hopefully not last) investment property.  

YOU cannot contribute any money or time toward the property.