Hello BiggerPockets  Community,I'm a contractor/consultant in Northern Virginia providing Home Automation (The Internet of Things - "Smart" devices), Security & AudioVideo design & installation services for both commercial and residential properties.

Welcome to the community @Sherrod Mcgowan and all the best on the first deal

We've even discussed purchasing and living in a property that we would then later turn into a rental while we work on figuring out our first steps.I came across this site researching a "coaching" advertisement and it looked like a great and diverse community.

And you should jump in, the community is pretty great here.

Feel free to jump in the community here and also take advantage of the treasure of knowledge here.

Many products require cash reserves of 6 months of payments.Like everybody else is saying, talk to several lenders before closing so you know how the refi will look and structure it correctly on the initial purchase.  

Welcome to the community Matt.

Hi @David Eiges,First I must say: If you can qualify for an FHA loan which is only 3.5% down-payment, I think that would be a better product since you plan on using the property as your primary residence.

Listsource has a sister product called Real Quest, same company, that is better for looking up individual properties.

The easiest one to manage is in a slightly upscale bedroom community close to the highway but still an hour from a major city.