Make sure you work with someone who is incredibly knowlegable in this space to ensure you're getting set up in the best program for your current and future goals.

My rough strategy is buy SFH (older but (semi) recently remodeled B- to A- properties in good areas likely to continue appreciating and attracting good, trouble-free tenants) 0% down VA (may consider a small amount on second property, like up to 3% just to speed things along) and stay in it as my own primary residence until at least 10% of purchase price paid off and able to cashflow 300+/ month after mortgage, taxes, insurance and 15% set aside for repairs, vacancy, and maintenance (like I said, I'm not overly interested in rental RE, so I want to be sure it's lower effort and worth my time in return).

you can select areas you would like to target, pull owners contact info, and auto dial all in one system. 

Typically I contribute around $35k towards soft costs (due diligence) and my LP investors (primarily high networth individuals) contribute the funds needed to build the project from an equity standpoint (approximately $150k because we utilize construction bridge financing).I have found that on my 4-6 month construction deals, investors target around 22-30% ROI.For longer term investments where you were to collect a management fee (i.e., rentals), you would likely benefit from raising the majority of the capital, and contributing very little so that your liquidity is not tied up into any one deal.

Particularly be sure to include your goals for real estate investing so that folks can help you. 2) Follow your favorite forum topics and set up keyword alerts!

Glad you are taking this long term approach and setting yourself up for the future.

Without getting into too much detail, you are essentially setting the value of the triplex with the purchase itself (in the lenders eyes).  

A HELOC can cost $250- 600 to set up depending where you go which is cheaper than a refinance... 

We are heavily targeting sale leaseback deals specifically. 

We've set ambitious goals and are open to exploring diverse strategies to achieve them.