I'm looking into multifamily (duplex & self landlording) in my local area to get started, but my tri-state area (CT/NY/NJ) has a high entry price point that I'm concerned with over leveraging myself and losing liquidity on my first deal. 

Hello all, my name is Dailyn.

There is a guy already that removes trash and moves coins around from machines etc, but the seller lives locally when it comes to taking the cash to the bank for deposits. 

My understanding is the 10% down loans have tightened up and are much more difficult to get.Start with banks you already do business with and local credit unions.I have used Associated Credit Union and Rocket mortgage.

Know the costs for fixing up the property and explore ways to pay, like bank loans, FHA loans, and local aid.

I forget the guys name.  

https://www.meetup.com/al-reia/Great group of local investors

We assigned the deal a local investor How did you add value to the deal?

Consult your local laws, but you can possibly deduct the cost from your rent if they do not pay. 

If this is a local bank that is going to portfolio this loan, they will most likely assume some min line usage/payment and use that in DTI.