The more you can save prior to beginning your investment journey, the better position you will be in down the line.

I Then asked my CPA how I could save money on taxes and he tried lecturing me on cashflow.

To keep it as a SFR, we would save on a 2-story porch ($18k) as well as another kitchen ($12k) and a few other needs for multi unit.We could keep it as a 2 unit, but then we have to create a new wall to separate the units again, adjust the main staircase, do the 2 story porch along with a 2nd flr HVAC, dual water heaters & electrical, kitchen and maybe move and/or add a wall.

I want it to be owner occupied for obvious interest rate benefits - but am not sure exactly how much I should be saving.

It helped me save a ton of money and buy my next rental in less than a year!

Meanwhile start saving up for a down payment, networking at BP and Meetups, and learning with books and podcasts

I'm planning on learning how to do as much of this as I can to save costs and so I can learn. 

Access to MLS data Ability to write your own offers Ability to earn commissions on your purchase Ability to save commission on your own properties that you sell .

If you start working with an account they should be able to put you on their wholesale plan and save you a little money if you buy the online version of Quickbooks.

All you have to do it set up a separate checking or savings account, name is escrow or trust and DO NOT COMINGLE any funds in that account.