If buying by owner can get you a great deal, hiring atterney to help you with the offer and stuff is worth it.We personally looking for a deal like that for a small multyfalimy in NE Philadelphia to beat the crazy competition.If you don't have kids yet, you might want to check out househacking a duplex. live in one of the units for free or almost free depending on the area for a few years, save for down payment on your next home.

Closed in October 2013 at $152,000Over the next few years, I made some additions and repairs (new bedroom, bathroom, and extra kitchen in the basement), and now got two housemates - completely covered my mortgage payments.2015 rolls around and I start studying real estate a little bit more.

No more 3.5% down.So, Yes you can do it as long as you are good with the higher down payment.

Also the recent payment history on the husband has been good. 

I was initially approved for 15% down payment for a 2-4 unit, so I had a higher budget thanks to that.

My question is, are there lenders that are willing to do a loan to an unemployed person but with a 2 year history of making payments.

My mom wants to partner with me and buy property together since she has perfect credit and a better chance at being taken seriously by the banks that will give us a mortgage. we are going to go 50/50 on the down payment and all expenses/maintenance. we will be getting an fha loan and putting 3.5% down which will allow us to have a big emergency fund.

I won't have a down payment and I'm exempt from property taxes.

We figure getting our siding redone to cement plank siding and putting in standard-sized new construction windows for 10,000 - 12,000 is a better deal.Our SBA loan for our house is still processing but we were approved for 125,000 for damages and 38,000 for contents @ 1.75% for 30 years, payments deferred for the first year. 

Rates well vary widely depending on credit and down payment amount.