So what I am asking is if there are lenders that people on BP know about that give say conventional loans to investors regardless of the amount of properties they own.  

However, my current lender, although a "conventional" lender, will not allow me to acquire a property in a llc, even if I personally guarantee the note.  

It was a total shot in the dark, but he is interested.So, we bought a 4 plex last year, with conventional, 20% down financing.

Most lenders will tell you that you're capped at 4 conventional mortgages per person, but that's where the asset lenders kick in.

Use the loan that I just used to buy my first duplex in MN: Portfolio Conventional Loan, 3% Down Payment, No Mortgage Insurance (yes this loan really exists - - and it works in Ohio and Idaho (I just checked).

By this time, you can also probably move out of the first MFH and refinance utilizing a conventional loan.  

As you know, this area has little inventory and is very expensive but I'm convinced I'll find "the one".

It wouldn't be hard to look better than the competition though.It seems really solid if I had the ability to receive conventional financing w/ 25% down...  

Otherwise, call around to small local banks in your area to inquire.I work with a few in VT but they only lend in VT, and generally only specific counties.Note that the overall requirements were not much different than a conventional lender: 20-25% down payment for a investment property, good credit, proof of income to pay back the loan.

If you wanted to own and rent out, you'd have to go through the conventional mortgage route.