We have a decent amount of small multi family compared to a lot of the markets that you mentioned, and are far more affordable than the likes of Phoenix, Raleigh, Austin, etc.Over the years, I have helped many people from the Bay Area find property here is western Pa!

In dental school in Cleveland...I went to Case Western back in the day to get my PhD.  

We now have rentals in the Western NC mountains, the outer banks off the coast of NC, and Costa Rica - and split our time traveling to all three - and our primary home has an ADU that covers all expenses and mortgage. 

With Google and Facebook coming into western licking county.

I attended frequently when I lived in Tokyo (I'm now out in Western Japan), and it was always very productive for me.Hope to chat soon.- Dave

Unfortunately, I think the hard truth is that saving up the cash for the down payment the old fashioned way is likely to be a better risk adjusted option.

I represent the largest wholesaler in Dallas ( New Western Acquisitions) and have lived here my whole life so I can definitely speak to the fact that the market has definitely remained hot even into the end of 2015! 

Having said that, after establishing relationships, in my experience, if you pay them in a timely fashion and call them often, they will allow for simply material based payments upfront with the bulk of payment due upon completion of the job.

Ultimately we passed on using the platforms and instead opted to do it the old fashioned way. 

@Chris HarringtonThere is really a big difference between western and eastern Washington.