@Jacob Hancock-no reason to start with a new build - way too much risk and complexity-start with a house hack with a low down payment loan-if it goes well, do it againgood luck

Leverage the 0% down payment, but be mindful of funding fees.

We would also provide the down payment and manage the property so that my sister could simply live in it for a year and pay rent until she decides to move.

He is asking for a 25k down payment and then a 5% interest with a loan for 7 years.

The one caveat is that I will be unemployed during graduate school, and I will be solely surviving off of grad plus loans for tuition and mortgage payments.

True, you didn’t have to put up the $20k, but putting up the $20k down payment and utilizing leverage increased your return by $40k, a 200% return on your $20k investment.  

I have no income as a student, but have money for a down payment.

But our lender is only offering us a renovation or construction loan, which I can understand.So my questions are: should we put down as much as possible to lower the monthly payment of the reno or construction loan? 

DSCR loans are based off of down payment, credit score and either actual or market rents so it helps to supercharge an investor's real estate goals and net worth.

This is the simplest method, but it also means your tenants are more likely to abuse the utilities by leaving windows open with the heat or A/C running, leaving lights on, ignoring the toilet that constantly flushes on its own, etc.3.